Phillips hails ‘great news’ at Sunderland after Cirkin reveal
Sunderland have received an injury “boost” after Dennis Cirkin and Denver Hume returned to training, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Black Cats striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it will be “great news” for manager Lee Johnson to have two “key players” back.
As pictured on Twitter on Wednesday (15 December), Sunderland defenders Cirkin and Hume have returned to training ahead of the busy festive schedule.
As quoted by the Sunderland Echo (15 December), Johnson revealed that Hume could return to the side “sooner rather than later”.
However, the former Bristol City boss said Cirkin would return more “tentatively”.
Phillips claimed the pair could play “utility player” roles over the busy festive period.
“It’s a boost. Cirkin was doing really well before his injury – a lot of people were talking very highly of him,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“He struck up a great relationship with Callum Doyle on that left-hand side.
“Hume coming back is a really positive sign as well. It’ll be great news for Lee Johnson to have two key players back fit ahead of this busy festive period.
“They’re naturally full-backs but I’m sure they can fill in as that utility player, either in midfield or at the heart of the defence.”
Sunderland are unbeaten in seven league games ahead of their trip to Ipswich tomorrow.
The Black Cats sit third in League One, just two points adrift of first-place Rotherham.
In other news, Sunderland are among three EFL clubs are chasing free-scoring striker ahead of the January window.