CONNOR WICKHAM has handed Gus Poyet a fitness boost ahead of tomorrow night’s match against Queens Park Rangers, while Billy Jones is also ready to return.

Wickham returns after he was forced to pull out of the warm-up before last week’s FA Cup replay win at Fulham with a calf problem and missed the draw at Swansea on Saturday.

Jones has missed the last two games with a hamstring strain, but the right-back is also back in contention.

The Black Cats boss revealed Emanuele Giaccherini is definitely out, while Jack Rodwell is touch and go. Lee Cattermole and Will Buckley are already out.

Poyet’s side welcome manager-less Rangers after Harry Redknapp stepped down last week.

The Hoops sit 19th in the Premier League, five points behind Sunderland in 14th. A win would strengthen the Wearsiders position in the bottom half of the table and Poyet admits it is important they build on a two wins and a draw from their last three outings.

“It was important to win against Burnley and to stay in the cup because we know how much we enjoy being in the cup.

“It is non-stop, so we keep going and keep believing. We know we have plenty of important games at home, but we have not been very good at home in the first part of the season and we have to improve.”