Sunderland boss Steve Bruce admits clashing with Anton Ferdinand in preseason - but won't be holding a grudge.
The 25-year-old featured in the Black Cats' last two matches and his case to play in the next, at home to Wigan Athletic, will be judged purely on its merits according to Bruce.
"He is back in the frame," the manager confirmed. "Sometimes you have a row at work, it happens. But the one thing I'll never do is bear a grudge. I'll never, in management, cut my nose off to spite my face - even though some might say that's an improvement!
"We had a row but so what? We pay his wages, he came back into the team and played very well so he'll be in contention for Wigan.
"He's still got a future here because he's our player. He's not gone anywhere and if and when he's required, he'll play."
