SUNDERLAND are adopting the cautious approach as they nurse winger Matt Piper back to full fitness.

Piper made his first start in seven months at Wimbledon on Tuesday night and he ran the opposition's defence ragged in a super opening half.

The 22-year-old was unable to maintain his momentum and manager Mick McCarthy has reservations about handing him his second outing in four days.

Sunderland face a massive test at home to Sheffield United this afternoon and John Oster, rested against the Dons, should be recalled to the starting line-up.

Piper, likely to be on the bench, is happy that his manager is taking the careful stance.

"The gaffer and the physio are both a little cautious about the situation, after all I've been out about six or seven months," said Piper, who had been sidelined with a serious knee injury since the win at Preston in August.

"To play two games in such a short space of time would not be ideal for my knee. The surgeon did say to move me back in slowly and I think that's what they are going to do.

"If I was going to come back and do too much too early then there would be similar problems again. So I am pleased with that way of thinking."

Piper had made a few cameo roles as a substitute before being given the opportunity to shine from the first whistle at Milton Keynes.

But, while happy with how he performed, the former Leicester man insists there is still a lot of work ahead.

"The first half went well for me but then I did tire," said Piper. "I would say I was all right for about 55-60 minutes then it started to catch up with me a bit.

"The fitness will not be how I want to be until I get a full pre-season under my belt. It was very frustrating when I was out.

"I had to spend a lot of time in the gym because I wanted to keep myself strong. I feel better from doing that and I don't want anything like that to happen again.

"I've been around Colin Healy and Mark Rossiter all the time so that has helped me. It has been a lot easier because of those lads."