Journalist and Sunderland supporter Josh Bunting has been left buzzing over the news that Daniel Ballard is back in training.

The Lowdown: Fractured foot

The 23-year-old has been out for more than two months with a fractured foot, having signed from Premier League leaders Arsenal in the summer.

The defender has only managed to play Championship football so far for the Black Cats, none since 13 August, and he will no doubt be itching to get back onto the pitch as soon as he can.

The Latest: Ballard back in training

Sunderland posted an image of a smiling Ballard back in training on their official Twitter channel on Thursday afternoon, which left Bunting delighted.

He shared the image to his Twitter profile, along with the caption: "This makes me very, very happy."

The Verdict: Big boost for Sunderland

It is certainly a big boost for Tony Mowbray and Sunderland to have Ballard back in training after so long out.

Bunting was thrilled upon the Wearside club first signing him, calling the 23-year-old 'absolutely outstanding' in the air and praising the fact that he 'reads the game very well', is 'mobile' and 'can carry a lot of ground'.

The Northern Ireland international has previous WhoScored).

It is good for the Black Cats' supporters to see Ballard back in training as he looks to step up his recovery.