Republic of Ireland and Black cat midfielder Thomas Butler will return to training next week after being sidelined with an injury sustained in the reserves Tyne Tees derby in October.
The Irish international who signed a four year contract in January of this year, featured in the club's first six games of the season until he was sidelined with a hamstring problem. During his time recovering, Peter Reid was sacked and Wilkinson was named as his successor.
Although both Cotterill and Wilkinson were at the reserves Tyne Tees Derby between Sunderland and Middlesboro (3-1), Butler limped off just before the half time whistle giving the new management little chance to see him shine. But as ever Butler is optimistic about his return to the Sunderland squad, and trying to secure a first team place again – this time under new management
"It's been a bit of a nightmare really because you want to be involved when a new manager comes in. "I should have been back before now but I suffered a set-back on the training ground. I was so close to coming back, probably about a week away, and it went again. It's frustrating but you've got to be careful with this type of injury.”
"It'll be hard to get back into the side because of the size of the squad here but I'm desperate to do it. It's a bit strange for me because I haven't trained with the new manager at all; I'm looking forward to doing so. He has showed that if you play well he's going to give you a chance, no matter who you are, and if you don't, you won't - reputation counts for nothing which is good."
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