Billy Back For Boro

Billy Jones, who suffered concussion in Saturday’s draw with West Ham, should be given the all-clear to return for Sunderland for the meeting with Middlesbrough next Wednesday.

Sunderland, nine points between us and Premier League safety could be extended this weekend as the meeting with Arsenal is off owing to their FA Cup semi final, lost Jones in the 88th minute at the Stadium of Light on Saturday after he was stretched off prior to the dramatic equaliser that just about keeps alive survival hopes.

Jones spent a spell in hospital having lost consciousness – given the Sunderland position is that really a bad thing?! – but was released later than night and given clearance to return to training this week, if he isn’t already.

The slim hopes of topflight survival would mean a win against Sunderland on 26th April is an absolute MUST – the Black Cats’ relegation rivals will be in action this weekend along with Swansea and Hull.