Arbenit Xhemajli took another step on the comeback trail in Sunderland's EFL Trophy game against Oldham - but Lee Johnson says the defender is not yet ready to be plunged back into the League One fray.
Xhemajli spent a year on the sidelines after damaging his knee ligaments while on international duty with Kosovo in October last year, but has been building up his fitness with the U23 side.
But he made his first-team return last night, playing the full 90 minutes of Sunderland's 1-0 defeat against Oldham at the Stadium of Light.
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Johnson said: "He was honest. You could see at times his movement was a little bit restricted, but that's what he's building up.
"Arby, if I'm looking with my first-team eyes on, doesn't look quite there yet in terms of his mobility around the knee.
"But his decision-making is pretty good, and he's brave and wins first headers.
"We'll try to give him that time to build up that momentum as much as possible
"You've got to allow him to recuperate properly, and he's been great, and absolute ultimate professional.
"If there's anyone you want to do well, it's him.
"He's over here, alone, and he trains four times a day to give himself the best opportunity to go out there and be strong.
"But the reality is there's no sentiment when it comes to a first XI in the first team in the league, and there can't be."
Goalkeeper Lee Burge was also making his return, in his case from a hip flexor muscle injury.
"Lee made some good saves," said Johnson.
"His kicking was okay, a couple of times a bit rash but that's your game management.
"Often, that's the bit you have to sharpen as a goalkeeper.
"Any senior player that's back, fit and available, and can influence the team, I'm more than happy to have him back."
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