Sunderland could welcome back Ellis Simms and Dennis Cirkin for their next game against Preston, James Hunter reports.

The lowdown

Simms, who's on loan at Sunderland from Everton, missed Saturday's 2-2 draw with Watford because of a toe injury he sustained the first half of last week's 3-0 win over Reading.

Manager Tony Mowbray had hoped that he would be ready to face the Hornets, but the trip came too soon.

Meanwhile, left-back Cirkin has missed the last two matches as a result of a hamstring injury.

The latest

Hunter, a Sunderland writer for The Chronicle, relayed the positive fitness update on Simms and Cirkin on his Twitter account on Monday.

He wrote: "Tony Mowbray hoping for a double injury boost after the international break."

The verdict

After the high of Jewison Bennette's late equaliser at Vicarage Road, this represents more great news for Sunderland.

Simms made his debut in the second game of the season against Bristol City and went on to complete 90 minutes in four of the next six matches, underlining his importance.

With three goals to his name, he's the team's joint-second highest scorer behind Ross Stewart (five).

Cirkin, meanwhile, had played all but 15 minutes for the Black Cats prior to his injury, and showcased some strong form.

He's a specialist ball-winner, ranking fifth in the squad for tackles per game and third for interceptions whilst also placing second for clearances (via WhoScored).

Their returns will boost Sunderland's chances of holding onto a play-off spot in the coming weeks and months.