Sunderland defender Wes Brown has revealed that he is nearing a return to action following almost two months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The 35-year-old has not played for the first team since coming off in the 12th minute of their 1-0 defeat at the hands of West Ham United in March, but did get 45 minutes under his belt in the first half of an Under-21 match against Everton on Monday.

The Black Cats are hopeful that Brown will be available again before the end of the season as they continue to battle against relegation from the Premier League.

"It was a positive 45 minutes and the more players we get back for the remaining four games the better," Brown told the club's official website.

"It is very important because we have some very big games coming up. Personally it is just nice to be back playing and I can't wait to get back out there."

Sunderland are currently one point from safety but do have a game in hand over their relegation rivals.