Sunderland rumours: Kevin Phillips urges Sunderland to sign Scotland international, Owls set to win race for former Boro winger

Sunderland’s squad was struck with an outbreak of gastroenteritis ahead of their final pre-season friendly against Hull City last week, leaving Lee Johnson unable to attend.

The Black Cats are hopeful that a majority of Friday’s absentees will be available for the league opener at the weekend, though assistant head coach Jamie McAllister confirmed that Lee Burge and Corry Evans were both suffering from injury concerns.

“Lee Burge had a little injury,” McAllister said.

Sheffield United have joined the race to sign St Mirren’s Jamie McGrath. Wigan Athletic are said to be keen on the midfielder after having a £300,000 bid rejected earlier this month. (The 72)

“But it was more precautionary really, if it had been a league game we could probably have forced the issue.

“It’s one of those where we just had to be careful, and it was the same with Corry Evans who came off at half time just with a little twinge.

“Obviously a few of the lads have been struggling a little with the illness, Luke and Elliot were certainly in that category and we just had to look after him.”