Black Cats duo set for reserves run-out

Out-of-favour Sunderland duo Pascal Chimbonda and El-Hadji Diouf have been named in the reserve team squad for tonight’s trip to Sheffield United.

The French full-back and the Senegal international striker, two of three men disciplined over their attendance at Newcastle frontman Obafemi Martins’ birthday party last month, are among a travelling party of 16 for the reserve League Cup fixture in Dronfield.

Chimbonda has not figured in the senior squad since the 5-0 defeat at Chelsea on November 1, while Diouf, who came off the bench that day at Stamford Bridge, has made only two appearances as a substitute in the four games which have been played since.

The two men were recruited during the summer, Chimbonda as part of the multi-million pound deal which also saw Steed Malbranque and Teemu Tainio leave Tottenham for Wearside, while Diouf made a £2.5m switch from Bolton.

Manager Roy Keane has preferred Phil Bardsley at right-back in recent weeks, while Kenwyne Jones’ return from a knee injury has seen him partner Djibril Cisse in attack.

The Irishman has insisted no member of his squad is guaranteed a place in the team after another extensive summer recruitment mission which bolstered his squad to such an extent that he currently has 11 players out on loan.

Chimbonda’s agent Willie McKay has played down rumours linking his client with a swift departure to French side Lyon, although there is little doubt his stock has fallen on Wearside amid allegations of poor time-keeping, one of Keane’s major bug-bears.