More woe for Wilko

Under-pressure Sunderland boss Howard Wilkinson has been dealt a double blow as he attempts to engineer his great escape.

Having seen influential midfielder Gavin McCann ruled out of the crucial Premiership clashes with Bolton and West Ham following his 10th booking of the season in the 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday, the Black Cats boss is now facing the prospect of also being without two potential replacements.

Combative utility man Darren Williams was carried off on a stretcher during last night’s 3-2 reserve team defeat by Sheffield Wednesday after a wild challenge by Calem Connelly.

In addition, Wilkinson has failed in a bid to withdraw midfielder Sean Thornton from the Ireland squad for the forthcoming World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates.

Williams has not figured in the first team since the 2-1 defeat at Everton on January 18, while former Tranmere player Thornton has not made the 16 since starting the 1-0 FA Cup fifth-round defeat by First Division Watford on February 15.

However, with his side facing a desperate fight to avoid the drop, Wilkinson needs all his troops available and ready for action if he is to stave off the seemingly inevitable drop.

Last night’s win for Birmingham in an ill-tempered Midlands derby at Aston Villa means that fourth-bottom Bolton, who are currently seven points better off than the Black Cats, are now six points adrift of Steve Bruce’s side in 16th and effectively reduces the relegation battle to a four-club affair.

Meanwhile, there was no better news for Sunderland’s second string despite a late fightback against Wednesday.

Goals from David Burrows, Tony Crane and Lloyd Owusu put the visitors into a commanding lead, and although substitute Jonjo Dickman and Patrick Collins dragged the Wearsiders back into it, the Owls held on.