SUNDERLAND head for the United States today on the back of a double boost on the injury front, with Dennis Cirkin and new signing Jenson Seelt both fit enough to join the 26-man travelling squad.

There's no Alex Bass, however, with the deputy keeper closing in on a loan move to AFC Wimbledon.

With Bass absent, 16-year-old Matthew Young will join first choice Anthony Patterson on the trip. Bass' imminent exit will leave Sunderland needing to sign a new keeper before the start of the season.

Danny Batth is part of the squad for the States, despite the transfer speculation linking him with a move to Blackburn Rovers, while Jack Clarke - who is wanted by Burnley - also travels.

Aji Alese, Corry Evans, Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart will stay on Wearside as they continue their rehabilitation from injury.

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Cirkin has had an ankle problem but Tony Mowbray revealed at the weekend that the defender was close to being ready to return and it was hoped would feature in pre-season. Summer signing Seelt missed the South Shields and Gateshead friendlies because of a knock but that was always going to be a short-term issue.

Nectar Triantis is part of the squad in the States after linking up with his new teammates at the weekend, as are fellow new arrivals Jobe Bellingham and Hemir.

Chris Rigg travels, as does teenage defender Zak Johnson, who started at Gateshead.

The travelling squad in full: Anthony Patterson, Matthew Young, Danny Batth, Lynden Gooch, Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, Niall Huggins, Nectarios Triantis, Jenson Seelt, Joe Anderson, Dan Ballard, Trai Hume, Zak Johnson, Alex Pritchard, Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, Dan Neil, Pierre Ekwah, Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts, Ellis Taylor, Abdoullah Ba, Isaac Lihadji, Jewison Bennette, Jay Matete, Hemir.