Sunderland Football Club News

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Martin O'Neill

• Ground:Stadium of light
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McCartney close to a return

14 Jan 2009 - 13:14:59

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Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia is hoping to welcome George McCartney back into the first-team fold by the start of next month.

The Northern Ireland defender had made just eight appearances for the Black Cats since returning to Wearside from West Ham United in August before he was struck down with a foot injury.

McCartney has been sidelined since November 1, but Sbragia can now see light at the end of the injury tunnel.

He told the club's official website: "George did the warm-up today and he seems happy. He'll see a specialist and we'll go from there.

McCartney, who has missed the last eleven games, is also hoping to make a swift return.

"To come back to Sunderland and be out injured for so long has been really disappointing," he admitted.

"Hopefully I'll be able to help the team out sooner rather than later."