ISAAC Lihadji looks set to be included in the Sunderland squad for the first time for the visit of Reading this weekend, but the young forward will be used as an impact substitute rather than a starter in the coming weeks.

Lihadji joined from Lille in the last week of the January transfer window but his Sunderland debut was delayed by a work permit and registration hold-up.

He's now had the green light for action but although the young forward has Champions League experience and has shown glimpses of his quality in training, Tony Mowbray is calling for patience.

"I'm very conscious that although he's played at a high level and in the Champions League, and he does look very exciting, but he's a young boy and it takes time," said Mowbray.

"He doesn't communicate much other than with the young French kids we have in the squad because at this stage he doesn't really have any English.

"He understands when you say his name but beyond that, I need a bit of a help translating. So in the short term, he might be someone who we bring on from the bench to see if he can impact the game with the qualities that he's got.

"It's very difficult, though, to plan and prepare for a game with him being in the starting XI at the moment with that barrier. It's something that we will overcome over a long period."

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Sunderland will again be without Dennis Cirkin for the visit of Reading as the defender completes concussion protocols after being forced off against Millwall last weekend.

Mowbray said:  "It took a day or two longer than we hoped to get him back to no symptoms.

"He is back on the grass now. That time process has started and I'm pretty sure he'll be available for Tuesday, so unfortunately he'll miss the weekend."

Mowbray has also provided an update on Niall Huggins, who has only featured twice this season after returning from a long lay-off.

"He does have a knock that's preventing him from playing but we have to try and get Niall right rather than get him back, play one game, miss three or four. We're trying to give him the time he needs," said Mowbray.

"He is back on the grass running around the pitches today so he's telling me he's not far away, he's going to be in the squads in the next week or two, but at this moment he's not available because of injury."