Sunderland continue to struggle for goals in pre-season, having been held 1-1 by Cork City in last night’s only friendly involving Premiership clubs. Liam Miller scored the goal that saved Keane’s blushes as Stern John missed a hatful of chances before Cork took the lead after 56 mintues. Miller struck the equaliser with 15 minutes remaining but Sunderland could not force a winner. Keane handed new signing Russell Anderson a debut at centre-back alongside Collins and played youngster Michael Kay at left-back.
Sunderland Lineup: Ward, Halford, Collins, Anderson, Kay, Miller, Whitehead, Yorke (Chopra 82), Leadbitter (Richardson 62), John (Murphy 62), Connolly (Stokes 62).