Stoke-bound Collins unlikely to start against future employers

Sunderland defender Danny Collins is not expected to be included in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League trip to Stoke as the Potters attempt to sign him.

But keeper Craig Gordon could retain his place in the starting line-up after returning from knee surgery in Monday night’s 4-1 Carling Cup win at Norwich with Marton Fulop struggling with a heel problem.

Fraizer Campbell was left battered and bruised by his collision with Canaries’ keeper Ben Alnwick, but is expected to be fit, while midfielder Andy Reid, who scored twice, was one of several men to impress Steve Bruce after he rested nine of his key men.

Provisional squad: Fulop, Gordon, Carson, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Nosworthy, Da Silva, McCartney, Cana, Cattermole, Richardson, Reid, Malbranque, Leadbitter, Henderson, Tainio, Edwards, Bent, Jones, Campbell, Healy.