Sunderland have rubbished claims Craig Gordon will not play for the club again this season.

There's talk that Sunderland will avoid playing Gordon, who is on 49 games, in the final weeks of this season to avoid paying a hefty £330,000 in the event they are relegated.

Cynics insist Gordon, 26, will not play again this season and then be sold in the summer with understudy Marton Fulop promoted to first choice.

But boss Ricky Sbragia insists Gordon could be back for Sunday's clash with Everton at the Stadium of Light.

Sbragia said: "There's good competition for the keeper's shirt but Craig is excellent. He is mentally strong and his attitude has always been good."