Roy Keane has lost defender Nyron Nosworthy for around six weeks with a hamstring injury sustained against Newcastle at the weekend. Nosworthy has been stand-in skipper with Dean Whitehead sidelined with a knee injury, ironically however, his injury comes as Whitehead begins to step up his own comeback. He is expected to play in a testimonial game on Thursday, his first appearance since picking up the injury in August.

Nosworthy’s absence is likely to see a shuffle in the Sunderland defence that could see McShane move back to the central role to partner Higgingbotham. That could mean a return to Halford who is available again having served his 1-match suspension. Another option would see Harte continue at left-back with Collins, Nosworthy’s replacement on Saturday, reclaiming a starting role. Right now, I’d bet on the latter. Whitehead’s return meanwhile would likely see Etuhu and Leadbitter under threat come December.