Stewart set for Sunderland survival bid

Marcus Stewart comes into contention for a return to the Sunderland attack for the match against Fulham at Loftus Road after recovering from a thigh injury.

The former Ipswich Town striker played the full 90 minutes of last night’s 2-0 reserve defeat at Birmingham City and is desperate for the chance to prove he can solve the Black Cats’ woeful goal scoring record.

Matthew Piper and Sean Thornton are expected to challenge David Bellion for the wide right midfield position and Moroccan international Talal el Karkouri will continue to partner Jody Craddock in central defence and keep Phil Babb on the bench.

Team (from): Sorensen, Wright, Gray, El Karkouri, Craddock, Piper, Thornton, Bellion, McCann, McAteer, Kilbane, Flo, Phillips, Stewart, Macho, Proctor, Arca, Thirlwell, McCartney, Babb.