JACK ROSS is still trying to sign a striker on loan, but the Sunderland boss concedes it is looking unlikely that a new player will be recruited in time for Thursday’s Carabao Cup first-round tie with Sheffield Wednesday.

With Charlie Wyke and Jerome Sinclair sidelined through injury, Josh Maja is currently the only fit centre-forward in Sunderland’s first-team squad.

The youngster has scored two goals in two games this term, but with the Black Cats facing a run of three league matches in the space of six days after Thursday’s outing, Ross is understandably reluctant to risk him against the Owls.

He had hoped to have a loan signing in place in plenty of time for his side’s League Cup bow, but suffered a blow on Monday when one of his leading targets, James Wilson, opted to join Aberdeen.

He has held discussions over a number of alternative options, but admits he is becoming less optimistic about sealing a deal ahead of Thursday’s televised game.

Ross said: “We’re still trying to do something. It’s difficult to say with certainty whether we’ll manage to have anyone else involved in the squad by Thursday.

“We’re very light in the forward areas at the moment, but there has to be a balance with how anyone we will bring in will blend with the players coming back.

“We don’t want to end up with the squad being too heavy. If we do recruit, it will have to be the right player to balance with what we’ve got.”

While the appearance of a new face now looks unlikely, Ross is ready to name Lee Cattermole in his side to face Sheffield Wednesday.

The former skipper has been heavily linked with a move to French side Bordeaux, who are managed by ex-Sunderland boss Gustavo Poyet, but until a deal is completed, Ross will continue to regard Cattermole as an important part of his squad,

He said: “From my perspective, nothing changes. He’s been part of our squad from day one of pre-season. His training and how he’s conducted himself, he’s been a credit to himself.

“Then, it’s about me picking a squad on what we need for specific games. He will remain part of the squad until I’m directed otherwise.

“We’ve managed to do a lot in a short period of time to help us be in a stronger position. From my perspective in terms of looking solely at football, he remains part of the squad at present.”

Ross is set to make a number of changes on Thursday night, as he looks to protect his squad ahead of league games with Scunthorpe, Gillingham and AFC Wimbledon.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the game, although it is in the middle of a busy period. We have to assess our squad because we’re light and we pay three league games in six days after Thursday. There are players who have done well in training who might get a chance on Thursday night.

“There is a balancing act because we have three really important league games to come. I have to be very careful because Josh and Chris (Maguire) are all we have up front really. We have to look after them ahead of these important league games as well.”