McNair and Watmore nearing returns is a huge boost for Sunderland

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Simon Grayson reveals Paddy McNair and Duncan Watmore are nearing returns from injury and it will be a big boost for Sunderland.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton scores a goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match against Sunderland.

Sunderland have not had the best of starts to the new season, currently sitting in 21st position and one place outside the Championship relegation zone after one win from their first eight games.

They face Cardiff City at home on Saturday (September 23) having lost their last three matches at the Stadium of Light in the league and fans are starting to get a little worried that after coming down from the Premier League in May they could be in League One within 12 months.

Simon Grayson, manager of Sunderland.

Yet it has not been easy for manager Simon Grayson, who took over a team devoid of confidence over the summer and then had to rebuild with minimal financial backing.

Grayson has also been without two players who could really make a big difference to the Black Cats’ fortunes this term in Paddy McNair and Duncan Watmore – but there could be some good news there.

Sunderland’s Duncan Watmore, right, poses for a photograph.

The 47-year-old told the Sunderland Echo that Watmore could be back in the team after the upcoming international break, having already played and scored for the Under-23s as he recovers from a cruciate knee ligament injury that has kept him out of action for nine months.

The forward will bring pace and energy to an attacking line that has sometimes been lacking in that department so far this term and could really shine in the English second tier.

McNair will also be returning to training soon after his own cruciate ligament problem and with experience with Manchester United and on the international stage with Northern Ireland, could prove to be a huge asset to the North East club.

It would be foolish to pin all hopes on two players returning from serious injuries, but at the same time there is plenty for the supporters to be positive about in terms of who Grayson could be introducing to his ranks in the near future.