Manager’s hands tied regarding selections

SUNDERLAND’S fringe players could again find themselves disappointed in today’s televised game at Vale Park, but manager Jack Ross believes his players will understand where he comes from when his team is announced.

The Scot has had to pick two teams ahead of their FA Cup first-round tie – one to take on Port Vale, another to face Morecambe in Tuesday’s Football League Trophy.

As far as possible, Ross wants to treat today as a normal weekend game, with no letting up as the Black Cats look to continue a six-match winning streak which has not seen them concede for 428 minutes.

But he will also be conscious that there is another match just over 48 hours later.

“The midweek game falling in between (the FA Cup tie and Saturday’s League One game against Wycombe Wanderers) skews it a little bit because we have to field a team in two games,” said Ross. “Our preparation is very much about knowing what team we will play on Tuesday as well, so it will have an impact on the team we select for Sunday.

“If there wasn’t a midweek game it may alter our thinking a little bit.”

Ross had the option of putting the Morecambe game back to Wednesday, but preferred an extra day’s preparation for the more important match at home to Wycombe on Saturday.

He decided some time ago that even if they did have three players called up for international duty, he would not exercise his right to postpone it.

As it is, with Jon McLaughlin pulling out of the Scotland squad to face Albania and Israel, Northern Ireland centreback Tom Flanagan will be the only probable starter missing against the Chairboys.

The convoluted rules to stop League One and Two clubs fielding weakened teams in the Football League Trophy mean at least four of Sunderland’s starting outfielders on Tuesday must have kicked off the Port Vale game, or be in the XI to face Wycombe, or among their top ten appearance-makers.

The depth of Sunderland’s squad has left some good players on the sidelines; they will hope for a chance to impress.

“Regarding competition for places, every time we’ve had it, the players have responded well,” said Ross. “I think they know the teams I select are geared up to trying to win the game. The team for Sunday will be one that we think can go and win the game.”