DUNCAN WATMORE returns to Sunderland's starting line-up for the first time in ten months as the Black Cats host QPR this afternoon.

Watmore has been sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury for the best part of a year, but having impressed as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw with Preston that preceded the international break, the former England Under-21 international returns to the starting side at the Stadium of Light.

He replaces Lynden Gooch from the side that started at Deepdale, and is set to line up in a withdrawn attacking role behind James Vaughan.

Sunderland boss Simon Grayson has made two changes from the team that kicked off against Preston, with Bryan Oviedo replacing Tyias Browning in the back four.

Oviedo is expected to start at left-back, with Billy Jones partnering John O'Shea at the heart of the back four.

There is a major boost for Sunderland on the substitutes' bench, with striker Lewis Grabban returning to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury.

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1): Steele; Matthews, Jones, O'Shea, Oviedo; Cattermole, Ndong; Honeyman, Watmore, McGeady; Vaughan.

Subs: Ruiter (gk), Love, Gibson, Gooch, Williams, McManaman, Grabban.

QPR (4-2-3-1): Smithies; Baptiste, Lynch, Manning, Bidwell; Luongo, Wszolek; Sylla, Freeman, Scowen; Mackie.

Subs: Lumley (gk), Furlong, Smith, N'Gbakoto, Osayi-Samuel, Wheeler, Washington.