Delap battles on for Black Cats

Rory Delap is prepared to play through the pain barrier for Sunderland’s must-win game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The Republic of Ireland international broke his nose in the early stages of last week’s abandoned home game with Fulham but has declared himself available knowing that unless the Black Cats win they will be relegated.

Steve Caldwell (hamstring) is back in training and is added to the squad but Julio Arca (hamstring) has targeted Monday’s derby clash at home to Newcastle United as a possible return.

Provisional squad: Davis, Hoyte, Caldwell, Breen, D Collins, McCartney, Lawrence, Whitehead, Delap, Leadbitter, Miller, Stead, Brown, Kyle, Nosworthy, Carson (gk), Murphy, Bassila, N Collins.