Sunderland defender Wes Brown could be out for eight weeks with a knee injury.

The former Manchester United man damaged a knee during Sunday's 1-1 FA Cup fourth round draw with Middlesbrough, and it was at first feared that his season could be over.

However, a scan has revealed that the damage may not be as extensive as was first thought.

Manager Martin O'Neill said: "We don't think he needs the operation, but he will be two weeks in a brace, two weeks elsewhere and you are looking at probably about eight weeks before he is back.

"But at one stage, it looked like a season-ending injury."