JASON STEELE is back in the Sunderland mix after it was confirmed that Robbin Ruiter will be out for up to 12 weeks with a dislocated finger.

Ruiter, who had become the club’s No 1 until Lee Camp replaced him on Saturday against Ipswich, was expected to play back-up to Camp in the remaining months of the campaign.

But now the 30-year-old is facing months on the slidelines and that has opened the door to Steele again.

The former Middlesbrough and Blackburn goalkeeper saw a deadline day move to Derby breakdown over personal terms – and he spoke earlier this week of a desire to get on with the job of keeping Sunderland up.

Ruiter is not the only player injured, although ahead of this weekend’s trip to Bristol City Chris Coleman has admitted Jonny Williams and Paddy McNair are nearing a return.

“Adam Matthews is definitely out,” he said. “Robbin Ruiter will be out for probably eight to 12 weeks with a dislocated finger – a badly dislocated finger.

“Marc Wilson is progressing nicely and maybe next week he could be involved with the group again.

“Paddy McNair, if he isn’t involved with the squad at the weekend, will possibly play an under-23s game which is good for us.”

He continued: “And Jonny Williams played 90 minutes for us in the under-23s on Monday night so he is a bit closer.

“Lamine Kone after he landed badly on his knee against Birmingham, although he completed 90 minutes, should be ok after this weekend.”