CHARLIE Wyke and Marc McNulty have made their return to training with Sunderland.

Wyke has been out with an ankle ligament injury – and two weeks ago suffered a minor set-back that held his return back – while McNulty has been beset by hamstring problems.

The strikers have been on the training ground at the Academy of Light this week after the players had a free weekend following last Tuesday’s home defeat to Burton.

Parkinson, speaking at his afternoon press conference, said: “To have that time without a game has been good. The lads had the weekend off and trained up to the weekend, which I felt was important. We had a good few days on the training ground and I’ve been pleased with the team and how the injured players have looked when they came back.

“Charlie and Marc have trained this week, with no reaction which is great news for us. Goochy is coming closer which is positive and it’s good to have a couple of strikers back in training.

“The physio is pleased with Goochy and we hope he’s back training next week or so.’’

Sunderland to go Gillingham on Saturday, their third meeting with Steve Evans side after an FA Cup draw and first round replay defeat.