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Welcome to the Sunderland AFC live blog for Wednesday, December 5.

The Black Cats advances to the last 16 of the Checkatrade Trophy on Tuesday evening after beating Notts County 2-0 at the Stadium of Light.

The big news from that game was Duncan Watmore's encouraging comeback from injury as he took a step closer to a full return for the club.

Next up for Sunderland is a trip to Accrington Stanley on Saturday as they look to secure a league win and keep pressure on league leaders Portsmouth.

Meanwhile, January is now just round the corner and it could be interesting month for Sunderland. Jack Ross admits he'd be happy to keep his squad as it is, but given their success there's likely to be plenty of interest in their players, which could prompt new incomings too.

We'll have all the latest Sunderland news, views and transfer gossip throughout the day.

Signing off

That will be all for today folks. Thanks for joining us. Here’s some analysis on Watmore’s performance to close with

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Watmore reflects on his return

His thoughts here:

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Another nomination for McGeady

PFA Player of the Month this time and your votes could help him win...

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Checkatrade Trophy third round draw

The next round will be drawn on Saturday at 12.20pm on Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports. You’ll be able to follow it in our live blog.

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More on McGeady's award nomination

The winger is up against Luton Town’s Elliot Lee, who scored five goals and provided one assist, Barnsley’s six-goal Kieffer Moore, and Charlton Athletic defender Jason Pearce.

The judging panel comprises Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman; League Managers’ Association Director Olaf Dixon and Sky Bet EFL Trader Mikey Mumford.

And the winner will be revealed on Friday.

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Swansea want Ayr striker Lawrence Shankland

The young Scottish goal machine has been linked to Sunderland but, according the Record has 20 clubs tracking him.

Leading the race is Swansea who are said to be ready to pay £400k to sign him.

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Aiden McGeady nominated for Player of the Month

Four goals in four for the Irish international in November

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Five talking points

From Kimpioka’s impact to Watmore’s return, read Stuart Rayner’s analysis here:

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Swansea interested in Flanagan - report

Some transfer gossip now and according to the reliable Pete O’Rourke from HITC Sport, Swansea are interested in signing Tom Flanagan next month.

The Swans are said to be keen on bolstering their defensive ranks in January after disappointing start to the season sees them down in 13th in the Championship.

The report claims Swansea have watched Flanagan a number of times this season and are impressed with him and the partnership he’s built with Jack Baldwin.

A summer signing, Flanagan has 18 months to run on the two-year deal he penned after signing from Burton in the summer.

Full story:

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How did Duncan Watmore play?

Really well. He was bright throughout before being subbed after 67 minutes, and always dangerous when on the ball. It was great play for the goal as he dropped his shoulder and left his defender for dead with his pace, which shows no signs that it’s gone after two serious injuries. He had good chances in both halves and generally looked Sunderland’s most dangerous player.

SAFC won’t want to rush him but this was another big step in his recovery and the signs are encouraging that he will be just as good as he was before when he does get back to full fitness.

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Match content

Hello and welcome to today’s live blog. To start, here’s our match content from last night

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