Sunderland have been handed a huge boost ahead of the League One run-in, with an injury update emerging from the Academy of Light.

What's the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Cambridge United clash (via The Northern Echo), Alex Neil revealed that Aidan McGeady - who has been sidelined since November of last year due to a knee ligament injury - has now returned to full training with the first-team squad.

Regarding the recovery of the 36-year-old, the Black Cats manager said: "He trained with us yesterday so that is a big step forward.

"He hasn't been with the group for quite a while now but yesterday was his first training session so, obviously, it's only the beginning. He was on the grass yesterday with us and he looked fine."

Neil will be buzzing

With Sunderland still very much being in with a shout of securing a play-off place this season, there is no doubt that McGeady's return to full training will have left Neil buzzing.

Indeed, while it would appear unlikely that the 36-year-old will make a return to action over the club's final three League One fixtures, having him on the training pitch will certainly add an element of experience to the sessions - something that will subsequently have a positive influence on the Black Cats' push for a top-six spot.

McGeady is out of contract this summer, however, while the winger has made it clear he wants to continue to play football in a recent interview, there has been no progress or confirmation of his current deal at the Stadium of Light being extended as of yet.

The winger told the Scottish Daily Mail (via Daily Record): "I know I am 36 and have not got that many years left but I still think with the way that I play, I can do so for a few years."

Sunderland are currently in seventh following a draw with Plymouth Argyle on Monday night, but the Mackems do have a game in hand on their fifth and sixth place competitors - something which means the clash with Cambridge United tomorrow will have huge consequences in the play-off race.

AND in other news: Neil must now boldly axe "fatigued" £2.7k-p/w Sunderland star, he needs a break