Sunderland head coach Dick Advocaat has suggested that Adam Johnson will have the final say on whether he should play after being charged on alleged child sex offences.
The 27-year-old was charged with three offences of alleged sexual activity with a child under 16, and one offence of grooming.
Johnson was suspended by the Premier League club for just over two weeks after he was arrested by police on March 2 for allegedly having sex with a girl aged 15.
Sunderland confirmed today that Johnson will remain available for selection, and Advocaat stated in this afternoon's press conference that he is leaving the decision on whether to play up to Johnson.
"He still has to come in, but in principle if he feels okay, then he will be a member of the squad," Advocaat told reporters.
Johnson is due to appear before Peterlee Magistrates' Court on May 20.
