David Meyler returns ahead of schedule

Ireland international David Meyler makes an ‘ahead of schedule’ return to competitive action when he gets a first real run-out for Sunderland Reserves tonight.

The Cork born Under 21 international has been sidelined since May when he ruptured knee ligaments in Sunderland's last home game of the season against Manchester United.

The very promising Irish midfielder twisted studs in the turf and damaged ligaments so badly that it was thought at one point, that the whole of this season could be spent recovering from the serious injury .

However, the earliest it was realistically thought he could be back playing football was the end of December, but he has astonished medical staff with the speed of his recovery, and after successfully coming through a behind-closed-doors game last week, is due to face Liverpool's second string

Meyler, 20, who was signed by Steve Bruce's predecessor Roy Keane from Cork City in 2008, started seven games for Sunderland last season prior to the injury, making his debut at the end of December.

He immediately caught the eye of manager Steve Bruce for his huge work rate during games. The Black Cats boss admitted he was stunned when the ProZone stats showed the volume of ground being covered by Meyler during a game, even surpassing that of Premiership marathon man, Cesc Fabregas. Bruce Said: “The lad’s miles above everyone else. He got through 13-and-a-half kilometres against City, which is phenomenal”.

The timing of Meyler’s injury could also not have been worse for the young player, as he had just been selected by Giovanni Trapattoni to take part in a senior Ireland training camp, which was due to take place the week after he sustained the ligament injury in May.

Sunderland will be keen not rush Meyler back too early, but the likelihood is, he will be back challenging for a Sunderland place after Christmas. He will also be keeping a close eye on his Ireland international chances, with a fit Meyler likely to be pushing for a squad place in the upcoming Carling Nation’s Cup competition, which starts in February against Wales in Dublin.

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Niall Quinn backs David Meyler return

Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn is backing Cork born midfielder, David Meyler to return from his injury nightmare stronger than ever.

The Ireland u21 international returned to training with Sunderland this week after cruciate ligament damage, but it will be some time before the Irishman is back in red-and-white stripes.

Along with Jordan Henderson, Sunderland midfielder Meyler was one of the finds of last season. The young midfielders were handed five-year contracts as reward for impressive maiden seasons as established first-teamers.

But while Henderson’s star continues to rise – with rumours he is on the verge of elevation to the full England squad only weeks after his Under-21 debut – Meyler’s progress has been stalled by a horrific injury picked up against Manchester United in May.

Meyler has stepped up his rehab and begun light training after undergoing surgery on a ruptured cruciate knee ligament he suffered in Sunderland’s final home game of last season, against Manchester United in May.

But the Ireland international – who had just been called into the senior international squad before being stricken with injury – will not play again until the New Year.

The 21-year-old made a big impact for the Black Cats last season and will be welcomed back with open arms when he returns.

Sunderland chairman Quinn said: “Dave was feeling pretty sorry for himself, as you can imagine, but he is feeling a lot better now.

“He has always dreamt of playing for Ireland, and it looked as though that was going to happen over the summer, but it had to be put on the back-burner.

“What has happened might even make him appreciate his footballing career even more when he comes back, and he will want to come back stronger than ever.

“He’s a very valued part of what we are about here.

“For the way he came in and took things by the scruff of the neck last season, we’d be especially pleased to see him back fit again.

“We’ll take our time with it because he has a great career ahead of him.”