Meyler makes seasonal debut for Sunderland

The Republic of Ireland's David Meyler made his first start of the season for Sunderland in today’s Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham.

The midfielder, who recently recovered from knee ligament damage, replaced Asamoah Gyan for the showdown at Craven Cottage.

Gyan dropped to the bench where he was joined by goalkeeper Craig Gordon with Simon Mignolet starting in his place.

Fulham restored Carlos Salcido at left-back after the Mexican recovered from an ankle problem.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Salcido, Davies, Murphy, Etuhu, Dempsey, Gera, Kamara.

Subs: Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Andrew Johnson, Duff, Eddie Johnson, Greening.

Sunderland: Mignolet, Onuoha, Mensah, Ferdinand, Bardsley, Meyler, Cattermole, Henderson, Richardson, Welbeck, Bent.

Subs: Gordon, Zenden, Malbranque, Angeleri, Da Silva, Elmohamady, Gyan.

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire)