McCarthy to stay faithful to losing side

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy is expected to give a vote of confidence to the side thrashed 4-0 by Cardiff last weekend in tomorrow’s fifth-round FA Cup replay at Birmingham.

Joachim Bjorklund, sent off in the early stages for a professional foul, retains his place in central defence alongside Gary Breen, who makes a sentimental return to one of his former clubs.