Sunderland boss Steve Bruce will hand a full debut to Asamoah Gyan for their Carling Cup clash with West Ham United.
The Ghana international, a £13million-plus summer signing from Rennes, will be included in the starting line-up as manager Steve Bruce attempts to build up his match sharpness.
Bruce said: "Asamoah Gyan will play because it is the right sort of game for him and he needs as much physical work into him as possible.
"We will use the cup competition for him to start his first game because he needs the physical work."
