Doubt over Sunderland duo

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy is keeping his fingers crossed over two key players as he prepares for tomorrow night’s Nationwide Division One play-off, first leg semi-final clash with Crystal Palace.

McCarthy will hope to have midfielder Jason McAteer and defender Darren Williams fit for the trip to Selhurst Park.

McAteer missed the victories over Norwich and Burnley with a groin problem, but is hopeful of a return against Iain Dowie’s side, while Williams ended the Burnley game with a tight hamstring.

Full-back Steven Wright will not play in either leg because of a thigh strain, while midfielder Paul Thirlwell, who fractured his skull on reserve team duty last month, is due to return to training next week, but will not figure again this season.

The same is true of Julio Arca and Matt Piper (both knee) and Colin Healy, who is continuing his rehabilitation from a broken leg.