CHRIS COLEMAN is ready to mix things up when Sunderland head into battle against Brentford at the Stadium of Light tomorrow afternoon.

A squad that seemed depleted a couple of weeks ago is suddenly increasing as players return from injury.

Last weekend’s dramatic comeback at Bristol City has left the Black Cats boss considering whether substitutes who helped turn the game deserve to start against the Bees.

To add to his selection dilemmas he has the likes of Adam Matthews and Callum McManaman back from injury, although it would be a surprise to see either start.

Ovie Ejaria, though, is a fresh doubt.

Coleman explained: “To be fair, in terms of numbers, it’s much better now. It’s a better position for us to be in, where the conversations we’re having are to tell players they’re not involved because of the numbers, which hasn’t happened for a while so that’s a much better place for us to be in.

“Adam Matthews has been back this week, Callum McManaman has been back training this week, Lamine Kone has done a session, not quite ready though, but he’s done a session.

“The numbers are better, Paddy McNair played for the Under-23s at the weekend, came through it fine. He’s trained well this week and he’ll have another hit with the 23s today, he comes through that and he’ll be OK. The numbers are much, much better.”

Both Aiden McGeady and Kazenga LuaLua – two of the squad’s most creative forwards – were introduced in the second half at Ashton Gate last weekend.

The pair’s influence on things helped Sunderland complete a thrilling fightback from three goals down to claim a much-needed point.

Nevertheless, Sunderland are three points adrift of safety so it is crucial they follow up that result with a home victory over Brentford – and Coleman could do with the likes of McGeady shining.

Coleman said: “Gifted boys are generally like that. Players who can score a goal and win a game, but sometimes they can be frustrating, that’s for sure.

“Last week Aiden came on with Kaz, who’s getting stronger and fitter. We had Aiden on one side, Joel Asoro the other side and we caused a lot of problems. Very direct in their approach and we were opening doors and creating chances, but that was last week.

“So, let’s see who we go with tomorrow, I could have changed anybody at half-time and nobody could have had an argument.

“So, the players who done well last week in the second half, we’ve got a game tomorrow. Let’s see how we fair in this one because last week’s gone. Can we produce tomorrow, at home? We know what the circumstances will be, can we produce something?

“All of the players, not one or two again, it’s all of them, defensively, offensively. Can we produce something and not turn it into a 'Here we go again'? It’s up to us, simple as that, it’s up to us.”