Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is edging closer to a playing return.

The Scotland keeper, 28, has been out for 10 months with a long-term knee problem.

But after seeing specialists, £9million-buy Gordon hopes to finally get the clear to resume training.

O'Neill is without injured first-choice keeper Simon Mignolet, who fractured an eye socket in October, until the New Year.

The Black Cats boss said: "Craig's anxious to get back."