Nosworthy fitness boost

Sunderland defender Nyron Nosworthy has targeted a return to action for the Black Cats' clash at Arsenal a week on Saturday.

The 28-year-old has been out with a hamstring injury since the defeat against Aston Villa in January but has recovered well and is hoping to return when Ricky Sbragia's side travel to the Emirates.

"Hopefully I'll be back for the Arsenal game," he told BBC Sport. "Everything's going to plan. I'm outside running now, doing a bit of ball work and back in light training."

Nosworthy faces more competition to get a game after the arrival from West Ham United of centre-back Calum Davenport and Manchester City defender Tal Ben-Haim but he's relishing the challenge.

"Competition is always the best policy, it gets the best out of the players and everyone works harder," he added.

"Calum Davenport and Tal Ben-Haim are top quality professionals, we've got strength in numbers now and quality.

"Sunderland is a very friendly club, we've got good players and good professionals to help the new players fit in very easily."