DUNCAN WATMORE has come through his first full week’s training with the Sunderland first team squad successfully, with manager Jack Ross admitting he ‘can’t wait to get him involved on a match-day.’

Watmore has been doing bits and bobs during previous weeks but he has just enjoyed his biggest and most significant five days so far as he edges closer to a comeback from two cruciate ligament injuries inside a year.

Ross, the Sunderland manager, will discuss the progress on Friday with the club’s medical staff and other coaches to determine what is next.

While there is a reluctance to push him into match action until he is completely ready, the 23-year-old is being considered for an appearance in the Under-23s in the not too distant future and that would pave the way for a League One outing.

And with Sunderland, who travel to Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, firmly in the promotion mix, it could be that Watmore’s return will be an excellent boost with Christmas approaching and the transfer window opening on January 1.

“If you were edging towards thoughts on January, what I could do and bring in, I don’t think I could bring someone in of his ilk this time,” said Ross.

“To have someone already in the building like him, is great. That’s why I am prepared to be patient with him. I would rather have him back for the season than skip a week or two. When he does come back it will be a big boost.”

Watmore injured his knee for a second time at home to Millwall last November, so Ross knows that the situation has to be right for all concerned even if the player himself is keen to play.

Before his injury issues, the former Altrincham forward had become a big prospect and had started to impress for the England Under-21s. There is an acceptance, though, that it is likely to take him time to get up to speed when he does return to first team action.

Ross said: “He has been in and out with me in training, so he has built that up. I work closely with Paul Walsh in that respect so that we don’t do too much with him. From Monday this week he has done everything as a normal player, that’s the first time.

“He trained hard Monday and Tuesday, managed it. He is looking good and he feels positive as well. Every one of those days he chalks off is good for him.

“It has been frustrating for him, it is testament to his mental strength that he has come through these periods. He is very upbeat. He is desperate to be part of things here. He has watched this team, he thinks the way we play will suit him.

“We have had to rein him back a bit but he will make a contribution. He does give us something different with his energy to stretch the game. I am excited when he does get back to full fitness.

“We have never put a deadline on it. This week was one where we wanted to see how he got on. He is getting ever closer, that’s brilliant. He is sooner rather than later. I won’t put pressure on him. He might need a day here or there but it will be soon.”

While the game at Shrewsbury is too soon for Watmore, Sunderland will have Lynden Gooch available again to boost options on the flanks. The American is the only player set to return this weekend. Full-back Donald Love has been training again. Glenn Loovens, Denver Hume and Charlie Wyke are still sidelined.

During the international break Sunderland have confirmed that they reached agreement with Didier Ndong to have his contract terminated. The terms of the deal mean that the Black Cats will still receive some money when he finds a new club.

Ross said: “I am glad form the club point of view that it has been brought to a head. A lot of people have been time consumed in that area.

“In all aspects of life people can identify problems but the hard part is fixing it. The club has found a solution that works. We wanted to move on as a club. It needed to move on as a player. I have never thought about it that much.

“It helps in general, eases that situation we found ourselves in. heavy contract that weren’t contributing to the club, that’s not nice in any walk of life. It is helpful edging towards the window rather than anything else.”