Steven Fletcher has recovered from a knee problem to take his place in the Sunderland starting lineup for this evening's home encounter against Reading at the Stadium of Light.
The Scottish international will feature as a lone frontman, with Stephane Sessegnon providing the support in an attacking midfield role.
Meanwhile, Noel Hunt has been called into the Reading side and will partner Adam Le Fondre in attack.
Sunderland: Mignolet; Rose, O'Shea, Cuellar, Colback; McClean, Larsson, Gardner, Johnson; Sessegnon; Fletcher
Reading: Federici; Shorey, Pearce, Mariappa, Cummings; McAnuff, Leigertwood, Tabb, McCleary; Hunt, Le Fondre