McShane misses Upton Park clash

Sunderland defender Paul McShane will miss Sunday’s trip to West Ham as he begins a three-match ban.

The Republic of Ireland international is suspended after being shown a straight red card for his lunge at Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb a fortnight ago.

Striker Andy Cole (calf), midfielder Carlos Edwards (hamstring), defender Russell Anderson (ankle) and skipper Dean Whitehead and defender Stanislav Varga (both knee) are still out.

Provisional squad: Gordon, Ward, Nosworthy, Halford, Kay, Higginbotham, Collins, Harte, Etuhu, Wallace, Yorke, Miller, Leadbitter, Chopra, Jones, Stokes, Murphy, Connolly, O’Donovan.