Poom blow for Black Cats

Sunderland goalkeeper Mart Poom is fighting to save his season after undergoing knee surgery in Germany.

The 33-year-old Estonian international had an exploratory operation yesterday after suffering a reaction to his comeback for the reserves last week.

Poom has made just 12 senior appearances this season, one of them as a substitute and the last in October, as Norwegian Thomas Myhre has established himself in the team.

He has struggled with his right knee for much of the season and what he thought would be routine surgery late last year failed to address the problem fully. He will remain in Germany for several days before returning to Wearside to begin his rehabilitation.