Sunderland boss Roy Keane is ready to welcome back troubled striker Michael Chopra.

The News of the World says Chopra is set for a shock Sunderland comeback just three weeks after checking into rehab.

Keane feared losing Chopra until at least Christmas when the troubled ex-Newcastle star sought help at Tony Adams' Sporting Chance clinic for gambling addiction and marriage problems.

But he said: "We're more than happy to stand by Michael and we continue to do so. We'll see the benefits of that in the coming months.

"He's trained really well this week and he's back in contention after his suspension ends. Everybody goes through difficult spells and he's someone I've got a lot of time for, he's done well and he's looking sharp."