Jones closes on return

Sunderland boss Roy Keane says Kenwyne Jones is progressing well and hopes he will get a run out with the reserves next week.

Jones has been out since damaging knee ligaments back in June but is now in the final stage of his recovery and it should not be too long before he is back pushing for a first-team place.

The Trinidad and Tobago ace has been allowed to fly back to the Caribbean to attend a family funeral but Keane has sent one of his medical staff with him to ensure his recovery continues while he is away.

"There has been a death in his family and he has gone over with our best wishes," Keane told the club's official website. "One of our medical staff has travelled with him to make sure his recovery goes to plan because every day is vital at this stage.

"Kenwyne will be back next weekend and hopefully, then he will have a good week's training with the first team and after that, he will look for a reserve game."