Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is ready to hand Sotirios Kyrgiakos a debut tonight against Blackburn Rovers.

Kyrgiakos, 32, has not had a look-in since joining the Black Cats on loan from Wolfsburg in January.

But he is set for a call-up with boss O'Neill keen to rest players ahead of next week's FA Cup quarter-final replay at home to Everton.

O'Neill said: "He's not moaned at all at not having played and has been with us all the way.

"This match will be his kind of battle and it's a real possibility he plays."