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Keane dealt captain blow for Wigan game
Sunderland, 11:01, September 12, 2008 ,
Roy Keane has confirmed new signing Anton Ferdinand is poised to be handed his Sunderland debut against Wigan this weekend.
Ferdinand, a big-money capture from West Ham on transfer deadline day last month, is in contention to start in defence at the JJB Stadium after proving his fitness in a run-out for the reserves in midweek.
Finland international Teemu Tainio is in line for a return to the midfield after missing the last three games with a hamstring injury but Keane expects to be without captain Dean Whitehead for the second game running as he struggles to overcome a hip problem.
The Black Cats boss is hoping Whitehead will return to training at the end of this week after the best part of a two-week absence but is not expecting him to be fit in time.
Keane said: "Anton comes into contention and he has got as good a chance as anybody of being involved but Deano is struggling.
"We are hoping he will return to training today but it's probably too late. He is doubtful for the game."