Sunderland keeper Gordon to have metal plate removed

Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon is to undergo surgery to remove a metal plate from his arm, which was inserted after he suffered a fracture in a collision with Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe in November.

The 27-year-old Scotland international will have an operation after Sunday's final Barclays Premier League game of the season.

Gordon told the club's official website: "I will have the operation to get the plate out and then I will be in the hands of the physios here for my rehab, however long that will take.

"Hopefully, I will be fully fit and ready to participate in pre-season training."