Mike Dodds knows he has to be sensible with Patrick Roberts and Aji Alese after their lengthy spell on the sidelines, despite being in need of a result for this weekend's trip to south Wales.

Both players are back in training and in contention to make the matchday squad for Cardiff City tomorrow afternoon, with Sunderland desperate to put an end to their dismal run of form.

The Black Cats have already been buoyed by the return of Corry Evans and Bradley Dack earlier this week, but all the aforementioned players are in a similar boat.

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Roberts has been injured since the 1-1 with Rotherham United over the festive period, Dack since Boxing Day at Hull City, Evans since Middlesbrough last season, while Alese last featured in the 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town in January.

The latter of the quartet has suffered back-to-back long-term injuries and Dodds admits he was probably rushed back in the past.

"It's a really, really good point," Dodds said when asked about taking care with returning injured players. "Aji has probably had one of those injuries where he's rushed back because of the circumstances we were in. I've got so much admiration for that because he was desperate to help us in that play-off game.

"It's very similar with both Pat and Aji in that they're both training and I appreciate there'll be a clamour for them to play because of what they can bring.

"Believe me, there is no one in the world who wants them out there more than I do. But I do also think there is a duty of care there, it might be that there is some frustration at times when they're not out there but we have to be sensible with both of them."

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Sunderland defender Alese penned a new deal at the Stadium of Light earlier this week, taking his current contract through to the summer of 2027, something Dodds believes is a testament to the club's recruitment.

The Black Cats head coach said: "Aji's a great example of the positive side of our recruitment, an U23 footballer who came in and has done really well for us. The frustration for all of us is that we haven't been able to see it over a consistent period of time.

"I don't think that's anyone's fault, but he's a huge part of the future of the football club. He's got huge potential and it's our and my responsibility to keep pushing him so that he can reach his potential."