Duncan Watmore could return in Sunderland's play-off game at Portsmouth tomorrow - with Jack Ross convinced his extra pace could be crucial at Fratton Park.
The wideman suffered an ankle ligament injury in early March which denied him the chance to play against Pompey in the EFL Trophy final at Wembley, and which was expected to end his season.
But with Sunderland's season extended due to their involvement in the play-offs, Watmore is now ready to return and he could help the Black Cats see off Portsmouth in the second leg of the play-off semi-final and reach Wembley for the second time this season.
Sunderland head to the South Coast with Chris Maguire's goal handing them a slender 1-0 lead following Saturday's semi-final first leg at the Stadium of Light.
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Pompey will have to attack if they are to find a way back into the tie, and that will leave opportunities for Sunderland to exploit on the counter-attack - with Watmore's pace giving them the ability to stretch the game.
"He's ahead of schedule and looks positive and bright in training, so we are hopeful," said Ross .
"He's forced his way into the reckoning more than we expected, so it gives us something to ponder ahead of Thursday night.
"The way the tie is poised is the reason he has come much more into my thoughts.
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"He has looked really good in training and he has come back fit and healthy from his ankle injury.
"I think this second leg is more the game for him and for him to be involved in the squad."
Ross will make a late decision on whether to involve Aiden McGeady .
The Republic of Ireland international played towards the end of the season with the aid of painkilling injections after breaking a bone in his foot, but despite being rested for the final two games of the season he had to pull out of the first leg against Pompey during the warm-up because the injury was causing him severe discomfort.
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Ross said: "Aiden is the same as he has been over the past few weeks.
"He's had this ongoing problem and what he really needs is a prolonged period of rest over the summer.
"We've made the decision on a game-by-game basis, leaving it until fairly close to the game, and we will do the same again."
Other than the question mark over McGeady's fitness, Ross has a full squad to pick from.
Alim Ozturk was sent off in the first leg but his one-match ban has been overturned on appeal, meaning he is available.
Left-back Reece James has returned to training after recovering from the groin injury that has sidelined him for the last six weeks but his lengthy absence means he is unlikely to be involved.
