Ghana captain John Mensah returned to full time action for Sunderland on Saturday when beating Bolton 2-1 in the Premier League.
The centre-back, who has recovered from a calf injury, played the entire duration of the game to help seal the vital win.
He was out of action for three weeks whiuch left the club struggling in the league.
Mensah brought back the much needed stability in the Sunderland defence.
If Mensah's maintain his fitness, he will be available to play in June's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.