Sunderland defender Wes Brown is eager to join the Black Cats survival battle after stepping up his comeback from a knee injury this week. The 35-year-old, who has not featured for the relegation-threatened Black Cats since March, played the first half for the club's under-21s against Everton on Monday.

He told www.safc.com: "It was a positive 45 minutes and the more players we get back for the remaining four games the better.

"It is very important because we have some very big games coming up.

"Personally it is just nice to be back playing and I can't wait to get back out there."