Sunderland have revealed the chest pains midfielder Steed Malbranque suffered during Tuesday night's clash with Portsmouth were down to a muscle injury. Malbranque, 30, was taken to hospital after collapsing on the pitch during the first half of his side's 1-1 Premier League draw at Fratton Park.

The Black Cats' physician Dr Glen Rae told the club's official website: "Steed has a musculo-skeletal chest problem for which he is receiving treatment.

"We are very grateful for the help of Portsmouth medical team, paramedics and Portsmouth local hospital for their help on Tuesday for arranging appropriate investigations for us."