Elliott out again for Black Cats

Sunderland are without newly-appointed skipper Steve Caldwell and influential midfielder Julio Arca for the crucial match at Everton that could decide their Premiership fate.

The pair are both suffering hamstring injuries.

Gary Breen resumes the captain’s responsibility after losing his place through suspension and there could be a return to the starting line-up for Liam Lawrence.

But Republic of Ireland international Stephen Elliott, who has missed almost half of the season with a back injury, is again ruled out after having a scan to determine the extent of knee and hamstring problems.

Squad: Davis, Hoyte, Breen, D Collins, McCartney, Lawrence, Delap, Leadbitter, Whitehead, Brown, Stead, Alnwick, Miller, Le Tallec, Kyle, Woods, Murphy, Bassila, Nosworthy.