Phil Parkinson provides positive injury update with Sunderland set to welcome back key man

Flanagan missed the trip to Doncaster Rovers after being withdrawn with what appeared to be a hamstring injury during the 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers.

But he is set to return to the fold against the Cod Army having trained today [Tuesday] – with Phil Parkinson also confirming that no fresh injuries had been sustained.

“Tom Flanagan is back,” he said.

“He’s had a problem with his hamstring, but we felt it was more coming from his back and he trained today, so that’s good news for us.

“Everybody is fit and ready, there’s nothing new from the weekend.”

Flanagan has been a key man in recent weeks, but Parkinson may stick with the back three that performed admirably at Doncaster.

Sunderland look set to remain without the injured Dylan McGeouch, while Elliot Embleton is a long-term absentee.