Sunderland could be boosted by the return of Aiden McGeady for the League One play-off final at Wembley with Charlton on Sunday.

It was expected that the influential midfielder would miss the showdown having but Black Cats manager Jack Ross told the Northern Echo the Irishman could be available.

McGeady, who was named in the League One Team of the Year has not played since the end of April having suffered from an ankle injury.

“He has a chance,” said Ross.

“The two weeks break he has had from being unavailable for the first leg has helped him.

“He needed a prolonged rest.

“He won’t get that until the summer, but this break has helped him.

“We are building his workload up over this week.

“We will give him every chance because over the course of this season he has been hugely influential for us.”

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With 11 goals and five assists this season, the Irishman was named the club’s Player of the Year, but Charlton manager Lee Bowyer was unmoved with speculation he may miss the final such is the depth of the Sunderland outfit.

“He’s their best player, so if he isn’t playing it’ll be a bonus,” he said.

“But I guarantee the person they’re bringing in will also be good.

“Their squad is completely different to ours, but it is what it is, we can’t control what they do and what decisions they make.

“All I can promise is that when we turn up we’ll be ready.”

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Wembley Again

Ross’ Sunderland have already been to Wembley this season having lost out to Portsmouth in a penalty shoot-out in the Checkatrade Trophy last month.

Despite the defeat, the manager believes the experience could prove key.

“It is unusual that you go back to Wembley in the same season, but it will stand us in good stead.

“I don’t know if it is because we have been at Wembley already, but they are focused and calm, the mood is good.

“Ultimately it will only be an advantage that we have already been at Wembley if we win the game, for my own group of players there is a familiarity.”

Bowyer will be taking his side to Wembley on Thursday to give his men a taste of what to expect on Sunday.