Boss contemplates several changes

George McCartney returns for the Blackburn FA Cup tie as does Steed Malbranque but Kirean Richardson and Nyron Nosworthy are ruled out.

Ricky Sbragia has been boosted by the news that McCartney has finally recovered from the foot injury that has plagued him since rejoining the Black Cats from West Ham in the summer.

It also looks likely that David Healy, Michael Chopra, Grant Leadbitter and Andy Reid will all be recalled to the starting line-up whilst Danny Collins could return after recovering from the knock he picked up last weekend.

Malbranque is also back from suspension after missing last week's defeat to Aston Villa but Sunderland will be without Richardson and Nosworthy through injury while Teemu Tainio is suspended.