Sunderland: Dennis Cirkin pushing for return but ‘wasn’t right’ for Blackpool

The full-back has been recovering from a hamstring injury since before the international break and he has missed the last four games since picking up the problem in the defeat to Middlesbrough. Aji Alese has deputised in his place on the left side of defence.

The 20-year-old has been a huge part of the side starting in every game up until his injury. He was close to being involved at the Stadium of Light but the Sunderland boss revealed that a late conversation with the player made his mind up for him.

“Dennis wasn’t quite right. I had quite a long chat with Dennis yesterday (Monday). He’s not 100% clear in his mind that his hamstring is ready” he said.

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“He wouldn’t have started tonight’s game. He’s just about there but we made a decision together. Why would we gamble? The back four isn’t going to change at the moment because it’s had clean sheets and it is performing at a high level.”

While Sunderland were prepared to take the risk of leaving Cirkin out of the squad, Mowbray is confident that he will be heading to South Wales and he is on the verge of a comeback.

The head coach added: “He has to be ready and work hard in training. He did a hard training session yesterday (Monday). When you train, you can control the sprints and how hard you push yourself. In a game, you aren’t in control. You have to sprint when you have to sprint and slide tackle and full stretch when you have to full stretch.

“He’s pushing himself really hard and he’s just about there. I think if there is a game in a few days, he is going to be eligible for it. He’ll probably be coming to Swansea with us.”

Sunderland drew blank for the second home game in a row as they battled to a goalless draw with the Tangerines after the weekend’s stalemate against Preston North End. The point moved them up to seventh in the Championship table.