JACK ROSS will attempt to secure a replacement if either Bryan Oviedo or Lee Cattermole leave before the window for international transfers and Football League loans closes on August 31.

Despite being heavily linked with a possible departure from the Stadium of Light all summer, both Oviedo and Cattermole started Sunderland’s weekend win over Scunthorpe United.

The pair were arguably the Black Cats’ two best players during their convincing 3-0 success, and are set to retain their place in the starting line-up when the Wearsiders return to action at Gillingham tomorrow.

As things stand, Sunderland are not involved in transfer discussions about either player, with Bordeaux having called off their pursuit of Cattermole in the wake of Gus Poyet’s dismissal as head coach.

That could change before the end of the month though, with Ross admitting he will be powerless to prevent either player leaving if Stewart Donald decides a deal would be in the best interests of the club.

In that scenario, Ross could find himself deprived of two of his most experienced performers, and while a last-minute departure could make it difficult to secure a replacement, the Sunderland boss will be doing all he can to ensure he is not left with a weakened squad.

“If they were to leave, I think we would need to strengthen a little bit again just to give us that depth,” he said. “I think Reece’s (James) injury probably meant Bryan was forced into action a bit quicker than he would have been coming back from the World Cup, but he’s responded to that well.

“Overall, in terms of the numbers of the squad, we’re not running a massive squad, although we do have reasonable depth across the positions. But I do think if they were to leave we would need people in.

“That’s always been a challenge for me because I’ve understood their positions and it would have been better if these things had happened earlier rather than later because it gives you more time to respond. It’s been a little bit of the unknown for me, but other managers face the same issues.”

Ross has spent the last week or so attempting to sign a striker on loan, but his efforts have proved in vain with a number of prospective moves failing to come to fruition.

As a result, there is now a chance that Sunderland will get to the end of the month without making another addition as Charlie Wyke and Jerome Sinclair are both approaching full fitness and Ross does not want to over-compensate for the current injury problems by saddling his squad with too many forwards.

Wyke’s return will be a major boost, and having shelled out £1m to sign the striker from Bradford City, Ross is understandably keen to see the former Middlesbrough trainee in full training.

Wyke will not travel south this week – Sunderland’s squad will remain in the South-East after playing Gillingham tomorrow to prepare for Saturday’s game at AFC Wimbledon – but the 25-year-old is due to step up his recovery programme at the Academy of Light.

He should be able to train with the rest of the first-team squad next week, and could be available to feature in the home game with Oxford United on September 1.

“He’s getting ever closer,” said Ross. “He’ll stay when we travel, along with Tom Flanagan, Duncan (Watmore) and Aiden (McGeady), but we’re hoping he’ll be able to join in next week.

“He’s ahead of schedule which is a bonus. The Oxford game might come too quickly, but there’s a chance he could be involved around that time. We’ve been able to knock off fixtures and win games without him so that’s been a bonus, but it’ll obviously be good to have him available.”

While Wyke will not be considered for either of this week’s games, Donald Love and Dylan McGeouch will be part of the squad that travel to Gillingham.

Adam Matthews will also head south, but having damaged his calf in Sunday’s win, the full-back remains a doubt for tomorrow’s game.

“Adam is responding okay,” said Ross. “He’ll travel with us, but we’ll have to wait and see how he is. I’d be hoping he’s available for the game at the weekend, but Wednesday is maybe touch and go.”