Boss glad to see Welshman back in action.

The return of David Vaughan following injury is a big boost for Sunderland’s squad, according to manager Martin O’Neill.

Vaughan made his first appearance of the season as a second-half substitute at West Ham having struggled with a groin problem since the early stages of pre-season.

The midfield schemer made his comeback with the development squad last month and figured again in the recent derby at Newcastle prior to resuming first-team duties.

Now he is fully back in the fold and O’Neill is hoping the former Blackpool man can put the injury behind him.

"It's nice to see David back; he's been out for some considerable time,” the Black Cats boss said.

“He had a problem in pre-season which didn’t seem to go away even though he felt he was going to be okay.

“It’s a boost for us. I threw him into the fray [at West Ham] and it was tough for him to get a first wind, let alone a second wind.

“But he did fine in the game. He tried to get himself involved in the match and I’m hoping the rough times are behind him.”