Sunderland chief reveals who will start Checkatrade Trophy clash against Notts County

Sunderland assistant manager James Fowler has confirmed Duncan Watmore will be part of the squad for Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy clash against Notts County.
Sunderland assistant James Fowler faced the press ahead of Tuesday's game against Notts County.Sunderland assistant James Fowler faced the press ahead of Tuesday's game against Notts County.
Sunderland assistant James Fowler faced the press ahead of Tuesday's game against Notts County.

The 24-year-old striker played 60 minutes for the under-23 side last week but is yet to make a first-team return following a serious knee injury.

But Tuesday's clash against the Magpies will provide the perfect opportunity for manager Jack Ross to make changes to his side, ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

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"Duncan will be part of the squad so we'll be looking to get him some game time tomorrow," said Fowler in his pre-match press conference.

"What we've seen previously with Duncan with the games that we've had and training, we're really excited to have him back.

"He's a really good player but he's a great lad have in and around the changing room as well and he'll add to the group."

Against Morecambe in the last round of the competition, Ross handed debuts to Jordan Hunter, Jack Bainbridge, Jack Diamond and Jake Hackett.

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Fowler confirmed they would still be part of the squad against Notts County and that Bali Mumba, 17, would start the match.

"He (Mumba) will be starting the game tomorrow," added Fowler when asked about the club's younger players.

"It's a good opportunity for him, he came on at the weekend and I thought he had a really positive impact on the game.

"It will be good to see him from the start."

The game will come too soon for Sunderland captain George Honeyman, though, after the 24-year-old midfielder missed the Walsall fixture with a knock.

Chris Maguire also missed the game at the Banks's Stadium but could return tomorrow night.