Denver Hume set to step up injury return in behind closed doors friendly as Sunderland prepare for Bristol Rovers

Sunderland are set to take advantage of a rare free midweek to play a bounce game – which will enable them to give valuable match minutes to a number of players in need.

And Hume is likely to be top of that list as he continues his comeback from a hamstring injury.

The full-back has returned to full training in recent weeks but head coach Lee Johnson was keen for the academy graduate to come through a game unscathed before returning to League One action.

Aiden O’Brien could also play some part after he was back on the grass last week after a spell out, while Benji Kimpioka could also gain valuable minutes – with the young striker omitted from Sunderland’s under-23 side to face Crystal Palace on Monday.

Josh Hawkes and Oliver Younger also missed out on the clash with the Eagles, suggesting that they are likely to be involved in Tuesday’s behind closed doors game.

And it could also give the likes of Chris Maguire and Josh Scowen a chance to stake a claim ahead of the weekend trip to Bristol Rovers.

Explaining his plans for the week, Johnson said: "The lads have a couple of days off now then on Tuesday we're going to arrange a behind closed doors game as there are a couple who need minutes topping up.

"Then it's about the final sprint, really.

"It's not a massive rest but it's something, and in training we can actually work, rather than just recover.”

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