PATRICK ROBERTS has returned to full training, and is set to be back in Sunderland’s starting line-up for tomorrow’s game at QPR.

Roberts has missed the Black Cats’ last two matches because of a hamstring injury sustained in last month’s win over Rotherham United.

The winger has been able to take part in full training this week, though, and is expected to return to Sunderland’s starting side at Loftus Road, with Abdoullah Ba set to drop back down to the substitutes’ bench.

Sunderland head coach Tony Mowbray said: “He’s been training the last few days and he looks fine. You know my thoughts on Patrick – he’s a special footballer.”

While Roberts is expected to return to the starting side, Mowbray is understandably reluctant to make too many changes to the team that thrashed Southampton 5-0 prior to the international break.

He said: “It’s very difficult to change a team that has just won 5-0 against one of the fancied teams and created so many chances.

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“And, with total respect to Southampton, we could have scored more – (Luis) Hemir could and should have scored and it would have been great for him to be up and running.

“There’s a luxury there at the moment and we will filter these players into the team bit by bit, but that doesn't mean that in four weeks’ time they are all in the team and there is no (Jack) Clarke and no (Dan) Neil. They (the new players) have to come here and compete, they are not here to replace anybody.”

Nevertheless, while Sunderland’s deadline-day signings might not be starting at Loftus Road, Mowbray is keen to take as many as possible to London with the rest of his first-team squad.

He said: “Mason (Burtsow) will be coming, Naz (Nazariy Rusyn) too - although whether he is involved depends on whether he gets his visa in time. Adil (Aouchiche) will come with the group, but it’s a bit soon for Timmy (Timothee Pembele).

“It’s good to have all these players and I’ve got some dilemmas. I’m going to take 22 or 21 players so some are going to get left out of the matchday squad, but it’s good to have those dilemmas.

“They’re not problems, really. As long as the players understand the logic of why you select a team and you communicate with them, I think they understand.”