Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill will assess Danny Rose’s frame of mind before deciding whether to throw him into the heat of a derby battle after his experiences in Serbia.

All Serbia’s players and staff involved in Tuesday night’s hugely controversial UEFA under-21 play-off against England have been asked to make formal statements.

Serbia Under-21 international Nikola Ninkovic has conceded his post-match conduct in the clash with England was wrong but insists he was provoked by Danny Rose’s “inappropriate gestures” towards the home supporters.

The Football Association have raised the prospect of a future boycott of matches in Serbia as a bitter row blew up over the alleged racist treatment of England’s Under-21 side after their win in Belgrade.

UEFA have come under increasing pressure to take action after Serbia Under-21 players were accused of racist abuse in the European Championship clash against England.