Can Will Grigg play for MK Dons against Sunderland? This is the Black Cats' stance on the striker's availability

The striker swapped the Stadium of Light for Milton Keynes on Deadline Day, returning to his former club on loan until the end of the current campaign.

And while Grigg was cup-tied for the midweek Papa John’s Trophy clash between the pair, many have been led to wonder whether the striker is able to feature when Sunderland return to stadium:mk in League One on Saturday.

The EFL rules for loan players states that: “During the period of any Temporary Loan Transfer, a Player shall not play against his Transferor Club without the prior written permission of the Transferor Club (which, if given, must be indicated on the appropriate Temporary Loan Transfer form).”

That means Sunderland would have to give approval for Grigg to feature against them – and The Echo understands that the Black Cats have not given such permission.

Grigg, therefore, will have to wait for his second MK Dons debut as he looks to recapture the form that saw Sunderland splash the cash to land his signature.

Speaking after joining MK Dons, Grigg said: “I’ve had a difficult couple of years but I’m feeling good and training really well. Anyone who knows me from my time here previously knows if you put the ball in the right areas for me, I’ll score goals - I’ve always done that.

"I play football to score goals and win things. I’ve had a few promotions in my time and I’m desperate for success again after some time off the pitch.”

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