Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill says Craig Gardner's future is in central midfield.

O'Neill says while he has played well as a right-back, he is likely to be shifted back to central midfield when Phil Bardsley returns.

He told The Journal: "Well, I think he's acquitted himself pretty well there and he doesn't mind where he plays.

"Overall, he can play in both positions. He's improved as a fullback, he tried to read it well, he did very well with that, but he's essentially a midfield player."