Sunderland podcaster Philip West has been left buzzing over the news that Ellis Simms has been spotted in training ahead of their clash away at Luton Town.

The Lowdown: In training

The Stadium of Light outfit shared on their official Twitter page on Tuesday afternoon some footage of Simms being back in training with the team, after being ruled out since mid-September with a toe injury.

Tony Mowbray suggested last week that he could potentially be available for the trip to Luton this weekend, but needed to get a full week’s worth of training under his belt.

The Latest: West buzzing

Taking to Twitter after seeing the footage of Simms in training, West was left buzzing, claiming that the Everton loanee was showing ‘real potential’ before his injury:

“Really pleased to see Ellis Simms on the comeback trail. I think he’s the kind of player who’ll thrive under Tony Mowbray. He showed some real potential before the injury – hopefully he can get back to that form!”

The Verdict: Big boost

It is certainly a big boost for Mowbray and his team to have Simms back in training, ahead of their match away at Luton on Saturday afternoon.

The striker started off the season brightly, with three goals in his opening two appearances in the Championship, and was a mainstay in the side until he was forced off against Reading through injury back in September (Transfermrkt).

With the injury to Ross Stewart as well, the Black Cats have been playing without a recognised striker in recent games, and so having Simms back as the focal point should help them turn results around, with three defeats in their last four.