Team news for Bolton trip

Steve Bruce will have a good selection headache ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bolton.

Phil Bardsley is back from suspension and back in contention for a starting place following a four-game ban.

Striker Nicklas Bendtner is also back having been ineligible for the trip to Arsenal at the weekend.

Speaking to the Official Site, Bruce said:

‘We welcome the pair of them back because they are both very, very good players,’ he explained.

‘The more players I have available, the easier my job is. I have a decision to make now.’

Meanwhile, England U21 striker Connor Wickham is in line for a first start for the club as Sunderland look to switch to a flat 4-4-2.

Wickham would partner Danish international Bendtner up front with Stephane Sessegnon moving back into midfield.

Benin international Sessegnon will rival Sebastian Larsson, Kieran Richardson and Ahmed Elmohammady for a place out wide.