Gordon returns for Rovers Clash

Craig Gordon will make his long-awaited return from injury against Blackburn in the FA Cup tomorrow. The Scottish goalkeeper is set to start in the fourth-round replay, ending his two-month absence from the side. Gordon has played just one game since Sunderland's draw at Fulham in October after fracturing his ankle in training.

The former Hearts keeper attempted a comeback against Bolton on November 29 but suffered a recurrence of the injury.

Ricky Sbragia has promised to make changes for the game at Ewood Park (8pm) and a number of the club's young players could be introduced.

"There will be a few changes, the big game is against Stoke on Saturday," said the manager. "Having status in the Premier League is in the back of my mind all the time."

One of them will be right-back Michael Kay who graduated from the club's academy last season.

Djibril Cisse and Kenwyne Jones are likely to be rested after suffering knocks in the Tyne-Wear derby and new signings Tal Ben-Haim and Calum Davenport were not registered in time to play.

Myron Nosworthy is still sidelined, Paul McShane is injured and cup-tied and Anton Ferdinand and Teemu Tainio are doubts.

Sbragia had considered using reserve-team players Jack Colback and David Meyler but both players are suspended.

Sunderland (from): Gordon, Fulop, Colgan, Bardsley, Ferdinand, Collins, Kay, Hartley, McCartney, Edwards, Malbranque, Richardson, Leadbitter, Yorke, Tainio, Reid, Murphy, Healy, Cisse, Jones.