Danny Batth is aiming to play a part in Sunderland's run-in after stepping up his recovery from injury during the international break. The Black Cats' January signing Batth has been out of action for more than a month due to an ankle problem, with the injury flaring up several times when he has tried to resume training.
But the former Stoke City centre-back completed the full 90 minutes for the U23s against Burnley last week as he took an important stride towards a comeback. "Obviously the manager [Alex Neil] just wants me to get back and back into training," said Batth.
"I'll use the next few weeks to build up and then see where we're at then. Hopefully I'll be ready. The team have been doing well but I always feel like I can help improve and have a big part to play at the club going forward."
