The story of the day as Aiden McGeady's brace fires Sunderland to encouraging pre-season win at Hearts

Sunderland continued their pre-season preparations with a friendly at Hearts this weekend.

After a draw at Spennymoor Town a fortnight ago, followed by two behind closed doors fixtures against local opponents last weekend, the Black Cats headed to Tynecastle ready for a step-up in opposition.

Lee Johnson’s side have been based in Edinburgh for the majority of the week as part of a pre-season training camp and will hope to end a fruitful week with victory against the Scottish Premiership side.

The game could saw summer signings Corry Evans and Callum Doyle handed their debuts – while Aiden McGeady featured for the first time since penning fresh contracts.

The story of the day as Aiden McGeady's brace fires Sunderland to encouraging pre-season win at Heartsplaceholder image
The story of the day as Aiden McGeady's brace fires Sunderland to encouraging pre-season win at Hearts

A number of the club’s promising youngsters were also be involved.

Phil Smith and Mark Donnelly were at the game for The Echo, bringing you build-up, team news, match coverage, analysis, insight, reaction and more from the pre-season fixture – which you can relive here.

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