Malbranque's back in the pack

Steed Malbranque returns to the Sunderland squad for tomorrow night’s Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton after being punished for a breach of club discipline.

The 30-year-old Frenchman did not even make the bench for last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Fulham amid reports he had broken a curfew ahead of the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Manager Steve Bruce today confirmed Malbranque has been punished for a misdemeanour, but was not elaborating as he confirmed the player will be involved tomorrow night.

Bruce said: “Whatever has happened, Steed knows what’s happened and with that, he has been punished and he has taken his punishment.

“As far as I am concerned, the matter is closed. It will remain confidential, like anything that happens in the football club.

“Unfortunately with media, it always seems to get out, but the matter has been dealt with. He is in the squad tomorrow and he will play some part.”