ALEX Neil has fielded a strong Sunderland side for this afternoon’s pre-season friendly against Dundee United with Ross Stewart making a return to the starting eleven.

The Scottish striker missed the Black Cats friendly defeat to Roma out in Portugal through injury but has been deemed fit to play this afternoon.

Trai Hume continues in at right-back while Leon Dajaku has also retained his place in the side.

Latest signing Aji Alese has travelled with the squad after his move was confirmed yesterday and is on the substitutes bench for this afternoon’s game at Tannadice Park.

Former Black Cats boss Jack Ross is in charge of today’s opponents three years after departing the Stadium of Light.

SAFC: Patterson; Hume, Wright, Ballard, Cirkin; Evans, Neil; Roberts, Pritchard, Dajaku; Stewart

Subs: Carney, O’Nien, Matete, Winchester, Gooch, Embleton, Alese, Clarke, Batth, Sonha, Diamond, Taylor