AIDEN McGeady will sit out Sunderland’s Carabao Cup tie at Sheffield United.

The Black Cats go to the Premier League side on Wednesday, after winning 3-1 at Burnley in round two.

But they will be without their most influential attacker, who will be rested for the game after three games in a week on his return from injury.

New signings Joel Lynch and Laurens De Bock are likely to start the game.

“We will look at a couple of changes, with boys from the weekend still struggling and Liam still has a knock too so we will monitor that,’’ said assistant manager James Fowler.

“The squad is not massive at the minute, so boys that aren’t starting will be on the bench and maybe one or two of the Under-23s will be on the bench.

“Aiden will miss out – that’s a definite – and Jordan Willis is one we are keeping an eye on, so that means Lynch and De Bock have an opportunity to be involved.

“We are keen to get them involved and Wednesday can give us that chance.’’

Of Wednesday’s opposition, Fowler told the press at the Academy of Light: “They are finding their feet in the Premier League – the top league in the country - and, like Burnley in the previous round, it will be a difficult game.

“Chris Wilder has a really good strong squad with competition for places and they all want to play in the Premier League – it will be tough, but one we can look forward to.

“I’ve been there as a player when you are playing against a team from the lower leagues, you have to make sure your attitude is right.’’