Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia is being careful with goalkeeper Craig Gordon's return from injury.

"Craig is coming back, but I think it's just one of those injuries where we're going to have keep a very close watch on things," he said.

"He's done some kicking, and seems happy with it.

"Previously, he'd been getting twinges, but that seems to have gone now.

"If I get him back before the middle of February, I'll be over the moon, but he'll need some practice. He's played something like one game in the last 15 weeks or so, so it is inevitable he's going to be rusty.

"We will certainly have to look at giving him at least a reserve game and the same is likely to apply to George McCartney.

"Manchester United used to do that with players who had been out for a while, giving them a run-out in the reserves, and I agree with that way of thinking.

"They'll need at least 45 minutes, and then maybe 60 after that because you can't expect players to come back after long lay-offs and not be rusty."