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Carlos Edwards and Andy Cole will make their comebacks from injury tonight in Sunderland’s Durham County Cup clash with Wolviston FC.

Winger Edwards has not played since August after suffering a hamstring problem against Birmingham City at St Andrews.

Ex-Newcastle and Manchester United striker Cole has been suffering from a persistent calf injury and has not featured at all since signing for the Black Cats at the end of August.

Both, though, are set for a run-out in tonight’s cup tie, which will be played at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground, Hetton-le-Hole (7.30).

Sunderland boss Roy Keane said: “Carlos and Coley will look to have an hour. It is a chance for them to have a run-out and, if they come through it unscathed, maybe they can feature on Saturday. We will wait and see.”

Trinidad and Tobago international Edwards was a key figure in Sunderland’s Championship-winning season last year and his pace down the right wing has been sorely missed this term – particularly as the Black Cats have had no other natural wide man to replace him on the right.

Cole, a free agent after being released by Portsmouth over the summer, was brought in to give the Wearsiders the option of a tried-and-tested Premier League goalscorer – but the 36-year-old’s injury problems have kept him out of action so far.

If Keane does decide the pair are ready to face Newcastle, their lack of match fitness would mean they are likely only to start on the bench.

Skipper Dean Whitehead, who has been missing since August with knee ligament damage, has also returned to training – but tonight's game comes too early for him.

However the midfielder could be involved when Sunderland play at Falkirk in a testimonial game a week on Thursday.