Meyler to make festive return for Sunderland

STEVE BRUCE yesterday revealed David Meyler will play a part in Sunderland’s festive schedule as the Irishman edges closer to a return.

Meyler missed out on a place among the substitutes in Sunday’s win over West Ham despite the 21-year-old being included in the matchday squad for the first time since recovering from the ligament injury he suffered in Sunderland’s final league game of last season.

The former Cork City man has astonished medical staff at the Academy of Light with his rapid return to fitness just seven months after tearing cruciate ligaments in his knee.