Jack Ross hopeful Duncan Watmore can take another big step forward for Sunderland this weekend

After sitting out the abandoned clash at Accrington Stanley last weekend, Watmore will return to action in the FA Cup second round replay.

The 25-year-old successfully featured against Notts County in the Checkatrade Trophy last week, and has had no negative reaction to that match.

Should he come through his latest test on Tuesday, Ross says there is every chance he could play some part when Bristol Rovers visit the Stadium of Light.

"The way we were at the moment, we'll look at tomorrow in isolation and then after that we'll look at it," Ross said.

"It's been part of the plan to potentially have him in the squad for Saturday as well.

"We don't want to rush him so that he's starting Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday.

"We'll look at the fixtures, see what might suit him best, and obviously see how his body is because naturally he'll be sore at times.

"Not his knee, just his whole body.

"We'll manage him through but he's pretty much there, so that's good."

The injury picture is generally looking good for Ross, with Lee Cattermole returning to the squad for the cup replay.

Adam Matthews misses out, but the injury picked up at the Wham Stadium is not serious and so the influential full back should be fit to return this weekend.

Charlie Wyke continues to progress well in his recovery and Ross hopes that he will be available to return after the trip to Portsmouth on December 22nd.