ADAM JOHNSON is set to return to the Sunderland squad for the first time since his arrest for alleged sexual activity with a minor when the Black Cats travel to West Ham United this afternoon.

Johnson returned to training on Wednesday after Sunderland officials lifted the suspension that was imposed following his arrest at the start of the month.

The England international, whose police bail has been extended to April 23, kept himself fit by training in the grounds of his own home while he was unable to attend the Academy of Light, and new head coach Dick Advocaat yesterday confirmed his willingness to select the winger provided he is satisfied with his physical fitness.

Johnson took part in an 11-a-side training match on Thursday, and while Advocaat refused to confirm he would definitely be part of the squad that will travel to Upton Park for today’s late kick-off, he said: “Everyone who is training is available for selection.”

Picking Johnson in his first squad would be a somewhat provocative act, but with just nine games in which to transform Sunderland’s season, Advocaat looks to have concluded that he cannot afford to be without one of the few naturally creative players at his disposal.

The 27-year-old is unlikely to start at Upton Park, but he could well be on the substitutes’ bench, and it remains to be seen what reaction his presence elicits from supporters of both West Ham and Sunderland alike.

With Lee Cattermole serving the second game of a two-match suspension, and both John O’Shea and Seb Larsson struggling with injuries that have restricted their ability to train this week, Advocaat’s hands are somewhat tied when it comes to his first team selection.

However, the Dutchman is set to promote Duncan Watmore to the senior squad, something his predecessor, Gus Poyet, shied away from despite the youngster producing a series of impressive performances for the development side.

Advocaat has discussed his options with Paul Bracewell, who was formerly Sunderland’s development coach, and Watmore’s name was put forward as a player who could potentially make a difference if he was allowed to step up from the junior ranks.

“We had an 11-against-11 game, and we had three or four players in there from the B squad,” said Advocaat. “Duncan showed good skills and good pace, so he will probably be one of the squad players.”

Having watched Sunderland’s recent games prior to the confirmation of his appointment, Advocaat readily highlights Jermain Defoe as a key figure in the nine matches that remain.

The striker made a positive early impact following his move from Toronto FC, scoring two goals in his first three Premier League matches for the Black Cats.

However, he has subsequently gone five matches without finding the net, and it is hardly a coincidence that Sunderland have only claimed one goal as a team in those five games.

Take away Defoe’s two strikes, and Sunderland have only claimed one Premier League goal through a striker in the last three-and-a-half months – Connor Wickham’s header against Burnley – so it is hardly a surprise that Advocaat regards increasing his main goalscorer’s attacking threat as a key priority.

“Defoe is a very important and key player of this squad,” he said. “So we have to bring him into a situation where he can play in front of the goal because that is his skills. That is what we will be looking to do.”

While Advocaat was taking charge of his first press conference as Sunderland head coach yesterday, Poyet was breaking his silence by issuing a formal statement via the League Managers’ Association website.

The Uruguayan avoided the temptation to take too many pot shots at his former employers, but mounted a staunch defence of his record at the Stadium of Light, and most particularly his role in last season’s successful battle against relegation.

“I am very disappointed to have left Sunderland, but I am extremely honoured to have served this special club as their manager,” said Poyet.

“When I arrived, Sunderland had played seven matches and lost six, gaining only one point and were bottom of the Barclays Premier League. Thirty-one matches later, at the end of the season, we had won ten and drawn eight, taking us to the complete safety of 14th position.

“I leave Sunderland feeling proud of all of our achievements during my tenure, not least reaching the club’s first cup final in 22 years when we took more than 30,000 fans to the Capital One Cup final at Wembley. Of the three Tyne-Wear derby matches since I joined the club as manager, I am very proud that we were able to win all three, two of which were away from home.

“I will never forget winning at Old Trafford last May, Sunderland’s first league victory there since 1968, which came shortly after beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

“I would like to thank chairman Ellis Short for giving me my first opportunity to manage in the Barclays Premier League, without a doubt the greatest league in the world. I also thank my staff for their valuable assistance, the players for all their efforts, and, in particular, the fans who demonstrate such unbelievable passion for the club.”