Obviously he had a really big smile on his face when I pulled him aside and spoke to him about that."Midfielder Stephen Ireland is available despite coming off at half-time of last weekend's 2-1 win over Southampton with a knock, but defender Marc Muniesa remains sidelined by a hamstring complaint.Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat will leave it to Adam Johnson to decide if he is mentally ready to play a part.Johnson is available for selection after the club decided not to re-impose the suspension to which he was subject following his arrest last month despite police charging him with three offences of sexual activity with a child under 16 and one of grooming on Thursday.But Advocaat will make a decision on whether or not to involve the 27-year-old England international after discussing the situation with him to ascertain his state of mind.Asked if the midfielder was available for the game, the Dutchman said: "He's in the squad, yes
If he's in the squad, then I will consider him for selection, otherwise he would not be in the squad."He still has to come in, but in principle if he feels okay, then he will be a member of the squad."Asked if it was a difficult situation for him to deal with as a coach, Advocaat said: "No, because the club made a statement about it and I stay behind that, and we will wait and see what the future will bring."Striker Steven Fletcher is out after travelling to London to consult a specialist over an ankle problem, and he joins the suspended Sebastian Larsson and injured defender Wes Brown (knee), as well as fellow midfielders Ricky Alvarez (also knee) and Emanuele Giaccherini (ankle), on the sidelines
Source : PA
Source: PA