Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson has been handed a boost ahead of next season with the return of Grant Leadbitter to training.

The midfielder initially began his career with the Black Cats before spells with Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough.

Returning to the Stadium of Light in January 2019, the 34-year-old made 14 League One appearances during the 2019/20 season but was handed a spell of compassionate leave in February due to personal reasons.

With Parkinson keen to bounce back next term after the club's second consecutive failure to gain promotion from League One, Leadbitter's return could hand him an experienced option in midfield - he has racked up 533 appearances in his senior career.

With the League One outfit back on the training ground recently, £1.44m-rated Leadbitter was among the returnees, as reported by Sunderland Echo, taking part in a session at the Academy of Light.

A handful of players took part in the session having passed the various pandemic tests and performed a light training session before getting on the ball in small groups.

This news should be a boost for Parkinson, who has a very small squad to call upon at the present time.

Leadbitter offers a wealth of experience, having already played 158 times for Sunderland, and he could be used as a focal point and leader for next season.

Do you think Leadbitter can play a big part in Sunderland's 2020/21 season? Let us know in the comments section below...