Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon is in line for a return to football after being sidelined with injury for ten months.
The Scotland goalie has struggled with a long-term knee problem, but he is due for a return to training following attention from specialists.
The 28-year-old is in line for a first-team return after number one keeper Simon Mignolet fractured an eye socket in October.
Martin O'Neill will be without Mignolet until the New Year.
Sunderland are currently 16th in the Premier League with 14 points from 15 games.
