Phil Bardsley 'joke' no laughing matter at Sunderland
SUNDERLAND yesterday suspended defender Phil Bardsley after he mocked the club following their 1-0 home defeat against Fulham.
Scotland international Bardsley, the club’s longest-serving player, has been ostracised by manager Paolo Di Canio in May after being pictured covered by £50 notes in a casino in the early hours of the morning.
But he was suspended, pending a club enquiry, after Scott Harrison posted a picture on his Instagram account – a site which allowed the posting of photos – to which the defender replied on Twitter: “Great opening day. Hahahhahaha hahahhaha!!!”
The remark has now been deleted, but Bardsley has been told to stay away from the training ground.
Di Canio was hoping to sell Bardsley, 27, this summer, with Fulham, Hull and Sheffield Wednesday interested. But he broke his foot playing for the club’s Under- 21 team last week and will be sidelined until January.
Manager Di Canio yesterday revealed he began his career as a boss in England instead of his native Italy because of trigger-happy chairmen in Serie A, who fire managers on a whim.
But Di Canio admits the Premier League is increasingly mirroring Italy due to the influx of foreign owners – with Newcastle manager Alan Pardew second in the list for long service, despite having been at the club for less than three years.
Di Canio said: “There are many more foreign general directors and foreign chairmen in England over the last few years. If something goes wrong, who has to pay? The manager.
“The chairmen are busier. They have their own big businesses far from here. They have to be honest and, in three months time, not panic. Now, there is not this genuine way any more.
“But I don’t want to say this is a problem in Sunderland. I’m not worried.”
There are many more foreign general directors and foreign chairmen in England over the last few years. If something goes wrong, who has to pay? The manager
Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland makes further strides in the transfer market but are still missing that creative spark
It has been a week of intrigue on Wearside ahead on Saturday’s first away trip of the season, to the south coast to face Southampton.
Earlier in the week the dramatic fall from grace of former Player of the Year, Phil Bardsley, was pretty much complete as the ostracised fullback took to Instagram to mock his club’s opening day defeat. Bardsley was swiftly called to the boardroom and suspended with immediate effect in a scene that probably played out like the final moments of an episode of The Apprentice.
Unfortunately, having picked up an injury whilst playing for the reserves, Bardsley looks likely to remain a drain on resources, continuing to pick up his £30k a week. Thirty-thousand pounds a week, for Phil Bardlsey, take a moment to let that one sink in.
In more positive news there looks set to finally be a resolution to the perennial left-back issue that has plagued the Black Cats for, well, ever it seems.
Danny Rose set a high standard last season during his loan spell last term, so high in fact that he played his way out of a move to the North East, breaking many a heart on Wearside such was his impact on the side.
However it seems that either Juventus’ Paolo De Ceglie or perhaps Toulouse’s Chiekh M’Bengue will be drafted in to fill that particular void, which will be a weight off everyone’s shoulders.
Sunderland seem no further forward whatsoever in securing the services of the much heralded creative midfielder
Another summer transfer saga looks set to come to a positive conclusion as the pursuit of Panathinaikos’ teenage Greek winger, Charis Mavrias, finally set to come to an end. It would seem that third time is indeed lucky for Di Canio as a move last month stalled an attempt to secure a loan deal failed last week for the player’s signature.
However Sunderland seem no further forward whatsoever in securing the services of the much heralded creative midfielder.
Last weekend served as further evidence that this really is the key addition to complete the puzzle. Cabral looked dominant in the middle of the park and able to dictate the tempo of the game, however the middling Sebastian Larsson is certainly not the creative outlet we need alongside him, not by a longshot.
Quite who is on the radar to bring some creativity to the centre of the park is somewhat of a mystery however. Di Canio’s desire for an English influence in this position now look unlikely to come to fruition following Tom Huddlestone’s move to Hull and there aren’t many other players that fall within Sunderland’s remit that fit the bill. The net will surely have to be cast to foreign shores yet again.
Southampton have been busy themselves, recruiting the brilliantly barmy Pablo Osvaldo to further swell their attacking ranks for a club record fee.
The Saints will prove to be a tricky opponent for Sunderland yet Di Canio will be desperate not to further derail any positivity on Wearside with another defeat.
CONFIRMED: Liverpool end left-back search by pipping Sunderland to Aly Cissokho
LIVERPOOL have pipped Sunderland to the signature of Valencia left-back Aly Cissokho on loan.
Aly Cissokho after completing his loan deal to Liverpool/TWITTER
The deal, which is subject to the completion of paperwork, will be of relief to Brendan Rodgers as he has finally ended his search for a player in that position.
Cissokho, who has experience of playing at the top level and in the Champions League with the La Liga side, Porto and Lyon revealed he is delighted that Rodgers came calling for him.
Speaking to the club's official website, Cissokho said: "I feel extremely proud to be here and I'm proud of all the hard work I've put in so far throughout my career.
"I've always dreamt of one day signing for a really legendary club.
Liverpool, Aly Cissokho, ValenciaAly Cissokho has signed subject to the completion of paperwork/TWITTER
Liverpool, Aly Cissokho, ValenciaSunderland were also credited with an interest in Aly Cissokho
Liverpool, Aly Cissokho, ValenciaAly Cissokho will now provide Jose Enrique with competition
Liverpool get Aly Cissokho on season-long loan deal
"I've been lucky enough to play for a few top sides and so to now get the chance to play for a club like Liverpool, it's just fantastic.
"I've always said, along with a lot of other French players, that I really love the English league, and although I've been fortunate enough to have played at some big clubs, in the back of my mind, I've always wanted to play in England.
"It's really pleasing when a club like Liverpool shows interest in you, and when that interest becomes more serious, you really can't wait for the move to go through. Now that the transfer has been completed, I'm really happy."
The 25-year-old will now provide stiff competition for Jose Enrique in that position.
Adam Johnson looking for England return at Sunderland
ADAM JOHNSON has admitted he faces a “huge season” as he bids to reignite his England career and stand a chance of playing at the World Cup.
Johnson lost his England place last season due to his patchy, inconsistent form with Sunderland, but is now determined to add to his 12 full caps.
Winger Johnson, 26, said: “This is probably as good as I’ve felt for a while now and I’m excited for this season. Hopefully I’ll get even fitter and stronger. I’m feeling good.
“England is still burning inside me. It’s a massive season for me, just as it is for every player who has represented their country.
“To be on standby for the last two major tournaments and to miss out both times was really disappointing and somewhat tough to take, particularly with the way I was playing at the time.
“If I can deliver some good performances, then you would like to think that the England people will take notice. That’s how it has to be, but first I have to do it for Sunderland.
Adam Johnson, England, career, World Cup, SunderlandJohnson in action in Sunderland's match against Fulham
This is probably as good as I’ve felt for a while now and I’m excited for this season
Adam johnson
“But my sharpness is definitely a lot better and I feel quicker and stronger in myself.
“I’m driven to prove myself. I know what it takes to be at the top, to win the league, to play for my country. I haven’t been with England for a year now – but that just drives me on more. Not to prove other people wrong so much, but to try and play well and get back into that set-up.”
Greek teenage winger Charis Mavrias, meanwhile, has arrived in Sunderland for a medical ahead of a £2.5?million move from Panathinaikos.
The 19-year-old Greece international, who has two caps to his name, is the second youngest player to play in the Champions League – at the age of 16 years and eight months – and has since made more than 60 appearances for his club side, scoring six goals.
Reports: Sunderland Explore Ligue 1 Alternative As De Ceglie Bid Stalls
I am trying to remember a day there wasn't a new story about Sunderland and left backs. I can't.
According to widespread reports in France, Sunderland are exploring the possibility of signing Toulouse left back Cheikh M'Bengue.
Juventus' Paolo De Ceglie appeared to be the main target, and could well still be, but talks with the 26-year-old are apparently faltering with the player himself said to be asking for a bit of a wage-hike as an incentive to leave his comfort zone of Turin.
Ellis Short stressed in his programme notes on Saturday the importance of finding value in the transfer market and Director of Football Roberto Di Fanti also recently laid down the law to potential new recruits who appear intent upon seeing the club as an easy pay-day:
The player must not think ‘I’m going to Sunderland to earn a lot of money’. If they perform, they will earn.
Whether or not a resolution can be found remains to be seen, however there looks to be a contingency in mind should De Ceglie opt to stay at Juventus. The Journal first brought M'Bengue's name to the discussion two weeks ago, insisting that he had been offered to Sunderland and had come under some serious consideration by the club's new recruitment staff.
Now it seems that option is being explored more fully, with a knock-down price of €2.5m being suggested for a player entering the last year of his contract.
I remember the day well that Sunderland last signed a genuine specialist left back. I think I was sat in front of the TV watching The Fresh Price of Bel Air whilst winding up a repaired Blur cassette with a pencil, wondering 'who is this Martin Scott, like?' or something . What's an extra couple of weeks?
Sunderland have completed the signing of Greece winger Charis Mavrias from Panathinaikos on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £3million.
The Black Cats have spent much of the summer chasing the teenager's signature and he joins the 10 new arrivals in a busy summer at the Stadium of Light.
Mavrias, who has been capped twice by Greece, made his Panathinaikos debut in the Champions League as a 16-year-old in 2010, becoming the second-youngest player to play in the competition.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio had been coy about revealing too much ahead of securing the 19-year-old's signature.
He told the Sunderland Echo: "Until a player signs, I would prefer not to say too much about them.
"But what do I know about Mavrias? I know him, I know that he is a very good prospect, I know that he's a very exciting player.
"But I don't want to talk about him, or any more about what was said about (Stephane) Sessegnon at the weekend because things you say about transfers can easily cause problems and confusion, so I would prefer to wait and see."
Despite his youth, Mavrias made 70 domestic and European appearances for Panathinaikos, scoring six goals.
Aside from his two full international appearances, he has also been capped at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level.
Mavrias has been assigned the number 35 shirt by the Black Cats.
Southampton - Sunderland Preview: Osvaldo set for Saints debut
The Italy international could start on the bench for Mauricio Pochettino's side, while Greek winger Charis Mavrias could make his first appearance under Paolo Di Canio
Osvaldo, who signed from Roma on Sunday for an initial £12.8 million fee which could rise to £14.5m after bonuses, is in line to play some part in the fixture against Paolo Di Canio's side.
But it will not be from the start, with Pochettino cautious of throwing his star man in at the deep end.
"He played an international match last week with Italy, so he is fit," Pochettino told the club's official website.
"It's also logical that he needs to establish and integrate himself into a new structure. Also, he needs to learn how Southampton plays.
"He needs to learn a new structure, but we still have one training session left, so after that we will see if he has a chance to get into the 18 players that have been called up for Saturday."
Osvaldo – who scored 28 goals in 57 appearances over two seasons at Roma – replaced Kenyan Victor Wanyama as the club's record signing.
Wanyama, who joined from Celtic for £12.5m in July, played 90 minutes in Southampton's 1-0 win at West Brom last Saturday.
Rickie Lambert scored an injury-time penalty for Southampton at the Hawthorns, with academy graduates James Ward-Prowse and Luke Shaw particularly impressive.
Southampton have a clean bill of health but Sunderland will be without striker Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Lee Cattermole (knee).
Phil Bardsley (foot) remains on the sidelines for Sunderland but Wes Brown (knee) could feature.
Sunderland made a poor start to their Premier League season, slumping to a 1-0 defeat against Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have not won in their last five Premier League fixtures and they travel to Southampton having triumphed just twice on the road in 2013.
Di Canio handed five players their debuts on Saturday, and their busy transfer window continued on Thursday with the signing of Greek winger Charis Mavrias.
The two sides have played each other just four times in the last 10 years, with Sunderland winning two of them, and the others ending in draws.
Southampton's last win against Sunderland came in March 2002 and the most recent meeting finished in a 1-1 draw in May.
Southampton - Sunderland Preview: Osvaldo set for Saints debut
The Italy international could start on the bench for Mauricio Pochettino's side, while Greek winger Charis Mavrias could make his first appearance under Paolo Di Canio
Osvaldo, who signed from Roma on Sunday for an initial £12.8 million fee which could rise to £14.5m after bonuses, is in line to play some part in the fixture against Paolo Di Canio's side.
But it will not be from the start, with Pochettino cautious of throwing his star man in at the deep end.
"He played an international match last week with Italy, so he is fit," Pochettino told the club's official website.
"It's also logical that he needs to establish and integrate himself into a new structure. Also, he needs to learn how Southampton plays.
"He needs to learn a new structure, but we still have one training session left, so after that we will see if he has a chance to get into the 18 players that have been called up for Saturday."
Osvaldo – who scored 28 goals in 57 appearances over two seasons at Roma – replaced Kenyan Victor Wanyama as the club's record signing.
Wanyama, who joined from Celtic for £12.5m in July, played 90 minutes in Southampton's 1-0 win at West Brom last Saturday.
Rickie Lambert scored an injury-time penalty for Southampton at the Hawthorns, with academy graduates James Ward-Prowse and Luke Shaw particularly impressive.
Southampton have a clean bill of health but Sunderland will be without striker Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Lee Cattermole (knee).
Phil Bardsley (foot) remains on the sidelines for Sunderland but Wes Brown (knee) could feature.
Sunderland made a poor start to their Premier League season, slumping to a 1-0 defeat against Fulham at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland have not won in their last five Premier League fixtures and they travel to Southampton having triumphed just twice on the road in 2013.
Di Canio handed five players their debuts on Saturday, and their busy transfer window continued on Thursday with the signing of Greek winger Charis Mavrias.
The two sides have played each other just four times in the last 10 years, with Sunderland winning two of them, and the others ending in draws.
Southampton's last win against Sunderland came in March 2002 and the most recent meeting finished in a 1-1 draw in May.
SOUTHAMPTON v SUNDERLAND: All the latest team news and stats as Osvaldo prepares for Saints debut at St Mary's
St Mary's (Saturday, 3pm)
Southampton team news:
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed new signing Dani Osvaldo is in contention to play some part in Southampton's Barclays Premier League clash at home to Sunderland.
Italy international Osvaldo became Saints' club-record signing when he joined from Roma earlier in the week and the forward is likely to be involved at St Mary's.
Teenage defender Calum Chambers could retain his place with Nathaniel Clyne short of fitness following a pre-season injury.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio looks set to keep faith with central defender Valentin Roberge for his side's Barclays Premier League clash with Southampton at St Mary's.
Roberge marred an otherwise encouraging debut with a mistake which sent his side to defeat against Fulham last week but Di Canio has been quick to give the Frenchman his full support.
Defender Craig Gardner is back from suspension but Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Wes Brown (kneee) are both still ruled out.
Southampton have scored just three goals in their last six Premier League matches.
Sunderland have lost six of their last seven Premier League matches away from home (W1 L6).
The Saints have averaged just 0.74 points per game in the month of August in the Premier League; only Crystal Palace and Swindon Town have lower averages.
The last three Premier League meetings between these two sides have seen just four goals scored in total.
No English player has scored more Premier League goals than Rickie Lambert since the start of 2012/13 (16).
Following his winning goal against West Brom last weekend, Rickie Lambert has now scored 29 out of 29 league penalties he has taken for Southampton.
Sunderland have won four of their last six trips to Southampton in league competition (L2).
The Black Cats have failed to score in two successive Premier League games. They haven’t failed to score in three in a row since April 2012 (four games).
There have only been six goals scored in the last four Premier League games involving Southampton (F3 A3).
Pablo Osvaldo scored 16 goals in Serie A for Roma last season; only Edinson Cavani (29) and Antonio Di Natale (23) netted more.
Boost for Sunderland boss Di Canio with striker Fletcher ready to return to training
Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher is ready to make his return to training today and could even return to action in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup tie against MK Dons.
The Scotland international has been out for six months after ankle surgery but is on the verge of challenging Jozy Altidore for a starting place.
Fletcher, linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light this summer, has yet to play for Paolo Di Canio but the Sunderland manager is delighted to have him in contention at last.
Di Canio said: 'I'm very happy. The staff are very happy. He will finally join the group in the next few days and start training. Not full sessions but practice with the team when we have technical and tactical moments. He can speak with his team-mates again; sometimes we have seen him from 50 yards away.
'You can see his desire his enthusiasm but we have to be sensible, intelligent. It's better to take another week after a few months out because to accelerate him too much now would be very very stupid.
'It's very important he is right. The net is there and he can see the net and score goals now. That is very important, otherwise we don't win many games.'
Di Canio has completed the signing of Greek winger Charis Mavrias in a £2.5million deal from Panathinaikos.
The 19-year-old has signed a three year deal. The Sunderland manager also has bids in for Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-yeung and Juventus defender Paolo de Ceglie.
Di Canio said: 'Mavris is a young prospect and a talent. He's full of energy and he has good quality. I'm very happy because he is more mature than his age. He is a guy whose enthusiasm is infectious - he has a good future.
'We have five wingers now. There is an international break coming but we will play three games in a week and we will use all of these players. I will try to rotate my players.’
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-24 9:14
>>333
He will deliver for the fans,I believe they are well aware of it, the manager is correct in saying if he is ready on x date, we will leave it another couple of weeks, there is a history from the Hibs when he was perhaps reintroduced on the deadline only for the season to be stop start thereafter, given time and a structured reintroduction it will pay off, as for moving on in the Summer are you nuts ?
Southampton V Sunderland at St. Mary's Stadium : Match Preview
Youth policy important - Pochettino
Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the club's policy of promoting players from the youth system is just as vital as the heavy investment in the squad.
The Argentinian has added Dejan Lovren, Victor Wanyama and Dani Osvaldo to his squad in recent months, running up a total transfer outlay of around B#36million.
But despite breaking the club's transfer record on two occasions this summer, after last year also splashing out on Gaston Ramirez and Jay Rodriguez, Saints fielded four products of their youth academy in Saturday's 1-0 win at West Brom.
Calum Chambers, Luke Shaw, James Ward-Prowse and Adam Lallana all started, as did Morgan Schneiderlin, who joined the south coast club as an 18-year-old.
Pochettino is keen to keep blooding such youngsters from the same academy that has produced the likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in recent times.
"I'm very happy with all the players who have come through the academy, we are very pleased about what we are doing in that sense," he said ahead of Saturday's game at home to Sunderland.
"It speaks volumes of the good job that [chairman] Nicola Cortese has been doing in terms of promoting the academy going up.
"I think you need a good mix between youth players and older, more experienced players. If you do have that equilibrium then it is going to bring a good energy to the club.
"It is tough because we have 22 to 23 players who are looking at getting in to the side."
However, while he is happy to utilise his fledglings, Pochettino is also aware that he has to nurture their talents in the coming years.
"We have to be careful with young players," he added.
"We need to be patient with them and gauge how much they can give and what their potential can be for the club.
"But it is also true that the academy has not started recently, there has been a solid project there for four or five years and we just want to carry on that tradition."
Osvaldo is in contention to play some part against the Black Cats.
Italy international Osvaldo became Saints' club-record signing when he joined from Roma earlier in the week and the forward is likely to be involved.
Chambers could retain his place with Nathaniel Clyne short of fitness following a pre-season injury.
Defiant Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has struck back at critics quick to question his Stadium of Light revolution in the wake of his side's disappointing start to their new Barclays Premier League campaign.
The Black Cats head to Southampton anxious to claim their first points of the new campaign after falling to Pajtim Kasami's second-half header in their opener against Fulham last week.
Di Canio knows he has yet to convince some after his wholesale summer changes - including an entire team-full of new signings, a room-key lottery on away trips and bans on everything from Marmite to drinks with ice cubes.
Di Canio insisted: "I don't mind having people against me because it is very satisfying when you win at the end and prove them wrong.
"What is important is that you don't give up. Don't listen to the ones who keep putting the club down - they are like crows. Everyone should stay positive because we are going to have a very good season - I'm sure about that."
Di Canio completed his 11th new signing this week with the addition of Greek midfielder Charis Mavrias from Panathinaikos, although he is unlikely to feature in the Italian's plans to face the Saints.
Craig Gardner's return from suspension gives Di Canio defensive options but he is likely to keep faith in last week's line-up, with Ondrej Celustka impressing at right-back and Valentin Roberge forgiven for the blunder that led to Fulham's winning goal.
Striker Steven Fletcher is still some weeks away from a first-team return but continues to make good progress with his ankle injury, while Wes Brown is nearing full fitness but will not be rushed back from his knee problem.
Jozy Altidore will get another chance to impress up front after an encouraging debut.
Big Match Verdict: Southampton’s a testing trip for Sunderland
IT WAS a critically costly clanger which overshadowed every other aspect of his debut.
When Valentin Roberge got his body position unfathomably wrong in his challenge – or lack of it – with Fulham’s Pajtim Kasami last weekend, the Bosman arrival’s contribution was stigmatised.
Roberge had looked genuinely encouraging until then; showing plenty of confidence in bringing the ball out of defence and distributing crisply and astutely.
But his error was the fatal blow to Sunderland’s hopes of starting the season on a positive note and now Paolo Di Canio must decide whether the French centre-half can cope with the far more testing aerial threat of Rickie Lambert tomorrow.
After that thumping header on his England bow and the last-minute penalty at West Brom last Saturday, Lambert has a “can do nothing wrong” aura about him at present.
It is not without reason.
Speaking to Danny Rose last season, the on-loan Spurs left-back said Lambert was the most challenging targetman he had ever faced.
There will be none of the languidness of Dimitar Berbatov this weekend.
Lambert will be in the faces of Sunderland’s centre-halves and inevitably will sense a weakness in whoever lines up alongside John O’Shea.
Given Di Canio’s encouragement towards Roberge this week, he may well opt to stick with the former Maritimo man.
And with Wes Brown still absent, neither of the two alternatives to Roberge are without concerns.
Carlos Cuellar has little football under his belt after being limited to a fringe role during pre-season, while Modibo Diakite’s fitness is similarly in question.
Tuesday’s Capital One Cup second round tie against MK Dons may be a more feasible opportunity for both.
It is not the only decision to be made at the back either.
The return from suspension of Craig Gardner, along with David Vaughan, gives Di Canio options at right-back.
Ondrej Celustka is likely to remain there after an encouraging debut against the Cottagers.
Yet Gardner played in that role throughout pre-season and is more familiar with Sunderland’s system, even if the Czech is the more natural defender.
Neither of Sunderland’s full-backs will enjoy an easy ride against Southampton.
As the Saints showed in the final Stadium of Light encounter of last season, Lambert’s supporting cast of Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez are always busy, always on the move and will drift off their flanks in the pursuit of picking gaps.
It is a fluent, interchanging brand of football which Mauro Pochettino has overseen during his seven months in charge, and similar to the one Di Canio is attempting to implement at the Stadium of Light.
Pochettino has also addressed Southampton’s deficiencies with his big-money moves in the transfer market.
Last weekend’s £15million capture of Italian international Danny Osvaldo provides an alternative to Lambert, while Victor Wanyama and Dejan Lovren provide brute strength down the spine of the team in central midfield and central defence.
It was that soft underbelly which was too often Southampton’s Achilles heel last season after conceding nine more goals than Sunderland.
But the Saints now look a more resilient unit and that has given Pochettino licence to introduce the latest graduates of the club’s hugely successful academy, with three 18-year-old’s starting at The Hawthorns.
Given the investment made at St Mary’s, it is easy to overlook that this is only Southampton’s second campaign back in the Premier League.
Yet this suddenly looks a much more testing fixture than the one Sunderland faced three days before Christmas last term and one where a point has to be considered a reasonable outcome.
Cattermole could still have a future at Sunderland if he stays beyond window
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio says Lee Cattermole could still have a future at the club – if he is not sold or sent on loan before the transfer window closes.
Cattermole’s days on Wearside have looked numbered throughout the summer and one move for the former Middlesbrough and Wigan midfielder has collapsed.
Sunderland captain under Steve Bruce and Martin O’Neill, Cattermole was stripped of the armband by Di Canio in the summer. Ireland international John O’ Shea is now skipper.
Future: Lee Cattermole could still have a future at Sunderland, says Paolo Di Canio
Future: Lee Cattermole could still have a future at Sunderland, says Paolo Di Canio
Out of favour: The former club captain's days have looked numbered under the Italian manager
Out of favour: The former club captain's days have looked numbered under the Italian manager
The midfielder is currently recovering from another knee injury picked up in his latest game for Sunderland’s Under 21 squad last week and is expected to be fit next week, just before the transfer window closes.
Di Canio said: 'He’s working. He had a problem eight days ago, in the Under 21s, and now he’s in recovery. Obviously, we’re going to see what’s going on. At the end of the window, the picture is going to be clearer for everybody. Then we are going to work on him.
'At the beginning he wasn’t fit. He wasn’t here, then when we came back he also had a problem. There was a chance he had to move somewhere, it didn’t happen for different reasons, we can’t say why, it is between the club and player.
'He didn’t train with us, but now we are waiting to see what is going on. If, at the end of the window he’s gone, he’s gone. If he stays, we are going to work on him.'
Process: Di Canio refused to be drawn on the Cattermole situation but insists there is a process to deal with it
Process: Di Canio refused to be drawn on the Cattermole situation but insists there is a process to deal with it
Di Canio has denied any involvement in the decision to change Cattermole’s squad number from 6 to 36 in the official Premier League squad list.
He added: 'The squad numbers are decided by the players. They have a meeting to decide, I don’t go in. It belongs to them. I don’t invade their area which is the dressing room. It is their kingdom.'
But the Sunderland head coach refused to comment on the future of Phil Bardsley who has been suspended by the club after mocking Sunderland’s opening day defeat to Fulham last week.
He added: 'I’ve got nothing to say, because there is a process for this. We will see what is going on.'
Harold Howey Division Two side Ryhope B sealed the title with a 3-1 win over second-placed Washington A, while Roker Marine A drop to the third tier.
The other relegation place is dependant on an outstanding result from the Pemberton A and Usworth game.
Whitburn are the Division Three champions and will be joined by Barnes Park A, who pipped Pennywell B by only half a point.
In the Storey Bowl, Seaham Town’s 7-0 win over Hylton CW sealed their first Storey title in 17 years, with a game to play.
In the Earl Cup, Division One side Houghton Dairy Lane cemented second place with rearranged wins over Hetton Workmen and South Hylton.
Dairy Lane finished on 88 points, which over the last seven years would have been enough to seal the title, however, they finished five points behind the champions Silksworth.
Roker Marine defeated Seaham Town 7-0 to finish third, some 20 points behind the winners.
Barley Mow are relegated, but the remaining relegation place depends on the outstanding result involving Hylton CW.
In the Second Division, Whitburn go up as champions alongside Sunderland, who pipped Herrington Workmen by 1½ points.
Usworth retained their Swan Cup title by two points from Silksworth, while Thompson Park’s 6-1 win over Roker Park condemned Ryhope and Grindon Mill to Division Two.
Silksworth clinched their first Harold Howey Division One title since 1992 from Houghton Dairy Lane B, albeit by 2½ points.
Houghton Town A and Seaham Town A are confirmed as relegated.
The majority of the Sunderland & District leagues are now completed, with only the odd result card outstanding.
Latest League Results: Earl Cup Division 1: Barley Mow 5 Barnes West End 2, Hetton Workmen 1 Houghton DL 6, Houghton DL 5½ South Hylton 1½, Roker Marine 7 Seaham Town 0 , Ryhope 5 Thompson Park 2. Swan Cup Division 1: Thompson Park 6 Roker Park 1. Swan Cup Division 2: Barley Mow 5 Washington 2. Harold Howey Division 2: Thompson Park B 3 Ryhope B 1, Thompson Park B 3½ Pemberton A ½, Ryhope B 3 Washington A 1, Usworth 0 Houghton Town 4. Harold Howey Division 3: Mowbray 4 Barley Mow 0. Storey Bowl: Hetton Workmen 6 Thompson Park 1, Houghton Town 6 Roker Park 1, Seaham Town 7 Hylton CW 0.
BBC Sports: Southampton 0-1 Sunderland - Emanuele Giaccherini (3 mins)
No crisis at Sunderland either on this evidence. Italian striker Emanuele Giaccherini gets on the end of a Seb Larsson corner to head the Black Cats into an early lead. That is Giaccherini's first Premier League goal - not sure about the Saints marking, though. It was non-existent.
Police Deny Reports Of Mass Brawl At Sunderland Team Hotel
Police have denied a mass brawl broke out at the Sunderland team hotel hours before they played Southampton at St Mary's.
A 20-year-old man suffered a split lip in the incident at just after midnight in the Solent Hotel and Spa and was one of three men including a 45-year-old and a 47-year-old spoken to by Hampshire Police.
It was reported that 15 people had been involved in a fracas at the four-star hotel in the upmarket suburb of Whiteley, near Fareham in Southampton.
Police arrived at the hotel at around 12.15 after receiving a report of an assault.
They said two groups of men were involved in an incident involving 15 people, and that a number were spoken to but no arrests were made.
A Hampshire Police spokesman said: "Officers attended the Solent Hotel in Whiteley just after midnight on Saturday, August 24 following reports of an assault involving guests at the hotel.
"A 20-year-old man from Southampton suffered a cut to his lip during the incident.
"All parties were spoken to and the matter was resolved by way of community resolution. No-one was arrested."
A spokeman for the hotel refused to confirm whether the incident occurred. He said: "The hotel has no comment on that."
A Sunderland club spokesman denied the team was involved in any incident.
She told The Southern Daily Echo: "I have no knowledge of anything like that. I’m sure the players would have been tucked up in bed."
Police investigate fight at Solent Hotel hours before Sunderland play Saints at St Marys in Premier League
Police have launched an investigation into a mass brawl at the Sunderland team hotel last night - just hours before they play Saints at St Mary's today.
Officers attended a fracas involving 15 people at the Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley, near Fareham, just after midnight.
But a club spokesman denied the team were involved in any incident.
She said: “I have no knowledge of anything like that. I’m sure the players would have been tucked up in bed.”
Police would not confirm if anyone from the club was involved.
Inspector Scott Johnson said: “We did attend after a report of an assault at the hotel where the Sunderland football team was staying.
"No arrests were made at the scene but 15 people were involved and officers are continuing to make enquiries.
“We arrived at 12.15 and found no one was fighting. There were two groups of people. A number were spoken to.”
A spokesman for the hotel refused to confirm whether the incident occurred.
She said: “We are not able to comment on any matters relating to our guests.”
But the drama didn't seem to affect Paulo Di Canio's Sunderland side who managed a 1-1 draw with Saints at St Mary's this afternoon in the Premier League.
Jose Fonte scored an equaliser for Southampton with just two minutes to do.
Police launch investigation into 'mass brawl' at Sunderland's Hampshire hotel on eve of Southampton game
Police have launched an investigation into a 'mass brawl' at the hotel where the Sunderland team stayed on Friday night ahead of today's Premier League match at Southampton.
At 12.15am in the morning police arrived at the Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley where a fight involving 15 people had broken out.
Inspector Scott Johnson said: 'We did attend after a report of an assault at the hotel where the Sunderland football team was staying.
'No arrests were made at the scene but 15 people were involved and officers are continuing to make enquiries.
'We arrived at 12.15 and found no one was fighting. There were two groups of people. A number were spoken to.'
They would not confirm if anyone from Sunderland had been involved and officials at the club are unaware if any Sunderland players or staff had been involved.
It is understood Sunderland players were supposed to be in bed by 9pm the night before the match.
It is believed there was a wedding being held at the hotel.
A spokesman for the hotel said: 'We are not able to comment on any matters relating to our guests.'
Southampton 1 Sunderland 1: Fonte grabs last gasp equaliser as Saints deny Di Canio first win of the season
Jose Fonte denied Sunderland a first win of the season with a last minute header that earned Southampton a hard-earned point.
It had looked like an early goal from the diminutive Emanuele Giaccherini would see Paolo Di Canio's men take three points back to the north east.
Standing at just 5ft 5in, the smallest player of the pitch headed home a Sebastian Larsson corner unmarked in just the third minute.
Poor finishing, fine goalkeeping from Keiren Westwood and plain old bad luck looked set to deny Saints, only for centre-back Fonte to head home two minutes from time.
It was just reward for Mauricio Pochettino's side, who came into the clash buoyed by a fine opening-day win at West Brom and another big-money acquisition.
Following moves for Dejan Lovren and Victor Wanyama, Dani Osvaldo arrived this week from Roma for a fee that could reach £15million.
The forward was named amongst the substitutes at St Mary's, where another Italy international struck the first blow.
Larsson sent across a corner from the left found Giaccherini unmarked and he nodded home to the delight of the hardy 1,867 travelling fans.
It was hardly the start Southampton wanted but one they responded well to.
Rickie Lambert slipped through a fine ball to Jay Rodriguez, who slotted past Westwood and wheeled away in celebration - only for the linesman to rule the sixth-minute leveller out for offside.
Saints again came close 10 minutes later, with Westwood this time the man in the way.
James Ward-Prowse, one of three 18-year-old academy graduates in the starting line-up, sent over a looped cross to Lambert, with only an exquisite Westwood save down to his right preventing the England international heading home.
Neither side was managing to dominate play but Sunderland were looking the more confident, epitomised by a cheeky in-swinging Larsson corner that almost caught Artur Boruc off guard.
A Rodriguez snap shot deflected wide off Craig Gardner when play returned to the other end, with Jozy Altidore proving a handful for Southampton's defence.
Lambert powered a header over at the back post, while Altidore, Fonte and Adam Lallana all had penalty appeals waved away before half-time.
Nathaniel Clyne and record-signing Osvaldo were introduced for the second period, with the latter close to having an immediate impact.
The Italian's deft pass saw Lallana with a clear shot on goal, only for Modibo Diakite to swoop in with a fantastic, late tackle.
The Saints captain saw a right-footed half volley curl just wide shortly afterwards, before an Osvaldo cross found Rodriguez, only for the Saints attacker to head straight at Westwood from close range.
Westwood did well to tip a long-range Lambert strike around the post but Saints were still struggling at the back, with only the onrushing Boruc preventing Altidore doubling the Black Cats' advantage.
It was Southampton in the ascendancy, though, and they kept knocking on the visitors' door.
Lambert and Rodriguez were the next to threaten, although the intensity began to peter out with 15 minutes remaining.
Osvaldo headed into the ground under pressure from John O'Shea as the match entered the closing stages as tempers began to fray.
Ironic cheers met referee Lee Mason's award for a foul on the new boy late on - a decision that led to Saints equalising at the death.
Ward-Prowse floated in the free-kick and centre-back Fonte met the ball with a powerful header that at last beat Westwood.
Rodriguez saw a shot deflect wide as Saints pushed for another in stoppage time, but there was to be no further goals.
Sunderland bid for Roma’s USA international Michael Bradley
The American anchorman would be a superb addition at Wearside as Roma’s fire-sale continues.
Italian daily Corriere Dello Sport report that Sunderland chairman Ellis Short has faxed an offer to AS Roma for their holding midfielder Michael Bradley.
The offer for the USA international is reported as being in the range of £5m-£6m.
The bid is unlikely to succeed however, as Roma hold a firm valuation of Bradley between £8.5m-£10m.
The suggestion of Roma even considering an offer for Bradley is bad new for the club’s fans though, as the asset-stripping in the Italian capital seems to continue.
The club already sold Pablo Daniel Osvaldo to Southampton for £12.8m earlier this month, whilst Argentine star Eric Lamela looks set to join Tottenham Hotspur for approximately £30m. Not only that, but should Spurs fail to land Anzhi Makhachkala’s Willian then they may well approach Roma for playmaker Miralem Pjanic, too.
Roma have also sold ‘keeper Maarten Stekelenburg to Fulham and young defender Marquinhos to Paris St. Germain (for a staggering £30m).
Should Bradley join Sunderland he could add real quality to the heart of their midfield. Manager Paolo Di Canio has so far focused on improving his side’s attack, with the likes of Emanuele Giaccherini and Bradley’s compatriot Jozy Altidore joining in this window.
Sunderland team hotel at centre of mass brawl ahead of Southampton clash
Police confirm they attended a brawl at Sunderland's team hotel at midnight last night, as the side look to pick up their first points of the season
Sunderland will face Southampton today looking to pick up their first points of the new Premier League season, but the hotel the team were staying in prior to the match has been the centre of a police investigation.
Police responded to reports of a mass brawl involving 15 people at the Sunderland team hotel last night, and attended the Solent Hotel & Spa in Whiteley, near Fareham, just after midnight.
But according to the club, their players had no involvement in the fraca.
A club spokeswoman told the Southern Daily Echo:
“I have no knowledge of anything like that. I’m sure the players would have been tucked up in bed.”
Police would not confirm if anyone from the club was involved.
Inspector Scott Johnson told the Echo:
“We did attend after a report of an assault at the hotel where the Sunderland football team was staying.
"No arrests were made at the scene but 15 people were involved and officers are continuing to make enquiries.
“We arrived at 12.15 and found no one was fighting. There were two groups of people. A number were spoken to.”
A spokesman for the hotel said that they could neither confirm or deny if there was a brawl at the hotel.
She said: “We are not able to comment on any matters relating to our guests.”
Sunderland, managed by Paolo Di Canio arrive at St Mary's today looking for their first win in the Premier League.
Southampton's new £15m striker Dani Osvaldo will be on the bench for today's game, looking to make his Saints debut.
Transfer talk: Swansea’s ex-Celtic star Ki Seung-Yeung linked with Sunderland
SWANSEA midfielder Ki Seung-Yeung has been linked with a move Sunderland.
The Black Cats have been desperate to add a midfield playmaker to the squad this summer after missing out on England international Tom Huddlestone.
And reports in Italy today suggested Ki could be a loan target for Sunderland, just 12 months since the South Korean joined Swansea in a £6million move from Celtic.
Ki was not involved in Swansea’s Europa League clash with Petrolul Ploiesti tonight, although that was not unexpected, with the 24-year-old slipping down the pecking order at the Liberty Stadium.
Jose Fonte's late header earned a point for Southampton and denied Sunderland their first win of the season.
The Black Cats had been on course for victory thanks to Emanuele Giaccherini's second-minute header.
Jay Rodriguez had an early effort ruled out for offside, with replays proving inconclusive, while Saints team-mate Rickie Lambert had several chances.
But in the 88th minute, Fonte headed home James Ward-Prowse's free-kick from close range for a dramatic equaliser.
Sunderland, who were beaten by Fulham on the opening day of the season, took an early lead with Italian Giaccherini heading home Sebastian Larsson's corner from close range.
Southampton responded well and spent the next 45 minutes peppering the visitors' goal.
First Rodriguez had a goal disallowed for offside while Lambert saw his low header kept out at full stretch by Keiren Westwood before heading over from close range later in the half.
Rodriguez then had a prodded effort from 12 yards deflected wide before Saints goalkeeper Artur Boruc had to be alert to keep out Larsson's inswinging corner.
Southampton felt they should have had two penalties in a half they completely dominated with Ward-Prowse adding to his growing reputation with a fine 45 minutes for the south-coast club.
Fonte was dragged down in the area when trying to get his head on Ward-Prowse's free-kick while, just before the break, Adam Lallana was manhandled by Sunderland defender John O'Shea, with referee Lee Mason waving away both appeals.
The hosts introduced record signing Dani Osvaldo and Nathaniel Clyne at the break, with Morgan Schneiderlin and Luke Shaw replaced.
Sunderland also made a change, bringing on Ji Dong-Won for Stephane Sessegnon - and the South Korean almost made an immediate impact, latching onto a long ball before volleying a weak side-foot shot towards goal.
Lallana went close to an equaliser, with his half-volley from Lambert's knockdown flying just past Westwood's far post.
The game continued at a frenetic pace and Sunderland winger Adam Johnson, who had been relatively quiet, came in from his flank to send a shot just over Boruc's crossbar.
Forward Osvaldo's first contribution came just before the hour, with his fine cross headed straight at Westwood by Rodriguez, while at the other end Ji's pass played in Altidore but his shot was smothered by the legs of an on-rushing Boruc.
Southampton continued to press, with Lambert forcing a fine full-stretch save from Westwood with a driven shot from 20 yards and the England international then heading another chance straight at Sunderland's keeper.
Osvaldo was booked for unsporting behaviour late on and was lucky not to see red for a late tackle soon after as it looked as though Sunderland would hold on.
But defender Fonte's late heroics meant Paolo Di Canio's side are still searching for their first victory while Saints remain unbeaten after a 1-0 win at West Brom last weekend.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio forced to call police after confrontation with Southampton fans in team hotel
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio revealed on Saturday night how he was confronted by three drunken supporters and was forced to call the police in an incident at the team hotel hours before the Premier League match at Southampton.
Di Canio and members of his staff were harassed by the Southampton supporters as they attempted to take a lift to their rooms after a late-night meeting at the Solent Hotel and Spa in Whiteley, near Fareham on Friday night.
The supporters attempted to photograph Di Canio with their mobile phones and tried to stop the lift doors closing.
No players were involved in the incident.
Di Canio said: "At midnight we walked out of a meeting to go to a lift. We heard people shouting.
"I don't think they wanted to attack us because they wanted fun. They were three young drunk guys after a wedding party.
"Once we were inside the lift they had mobile phones and were screaming.
"We tried to push the button but they tried to stop us. They weren't really aggressive but you can imagine, they would not let us go. So then we called the police.
"They did not try to punch us in a clear way. Two lads of the three ran away, one remained there.
"The police arrived and we clarified the situation. We gave our version and we had to spend two hours with the police. But they are only youngsters – drunk, silly guys. So we said, 'Ok, we don't want to proceed'."
The police are continuing their investigations into incidents at the hotel on Friday night that included a 15-man fracas and allegations of an assault but have made no arrests.
Asked whether any Sunderland players were involved in the iincident, a club official said: "I have no knowledge of anything like that.
"I'm sure the players would have been tucked up in bed."
Paolo Di Canio said he and Sunderland staff were abused by drunks at the team hotel in Southampton on Friday night, as he played down the incident following reports of a 'mass brawl' in the hotel lobby.
Di Canio was with his coaching staff when "three young, drunk guys" who had been at a wedding began to shout abuse.
A 20-year-old man suffered a split lip in the incident at just after midnight in the Solent Hotel and Spa and was one of three men including a 45-year-old and a 47-year-old spoken to by Hampshire Police.
Di Canio told his post match press conference that no Sunderland players were involved and was keen to stress no blame could be attached to anyone at the club.
He said: "There were no footballers and no fight. This is the real situation of what happened.
"It was three young drunk guys. We got into the lift and then were taking photos with their camera and stopped the lift. We weren't aggressive and they took advantage of the fact that we weren't aggressive.
"We pushed them away. They attacked us verbally. It was us who called the police. Two of the three ran away. One remained.
"The police arrived after about 15 or 20 minutes - and for two hours I was speaking to a policeman. I don't know if he loves me. I went to bed at 2am. I wanted to go at midnight."
Police said 15 people were involved in the fracas at the four-star hotel in the upmarket suburb of Whiteley, near Fareham in Southampton.
A Hampshire Police spokesman said: "Officers attended the Solent Hotel in Whiteley just after midnight on Saturday, August 24 following reports of an assault involving guests at the hotel.
"A 20-year-old man from Southampton suffered a cut to his lip during the incident.
"All parties were spoken to and the matter was resolved by way of community resolution. No-one was arrested."
A spokeman for the hotel refused to confirm whether the incident occurred. He said: "The hotel has no comment on that."
A Sunderland club spokesperson had denied the team was involved in any incident.
She told The Southern Daily Echo: "I have no knowledge of anything like that. I’m sure the players would have been tucked up in bed."
PAOLO Di Canio knows that his style since taking over at Sunderland has ruffled more than a few feathers.
Less than six months after his appointment, he has had to fight with the media over politics, with players over just about every aspect of their conduct and latterly, perhaps, with the club leadership over player recruitment and retention.
But the Italian head coach makes no apologies for that – pointing out that the club wanted to take bold steps after half-a-dozen seasons in the top flight without making any really meaningful impression, despite owner Ellis Short spending millions to do so.
“Our strategy, our philosophy, is very different to the one that has existed at Sunderland in the few years previously,” acknowledged Di Canio.
“But the club wanted to change things.
“The club wanted to get rid of players with bad habits, they wanted to bring in better players, they wanted to change all kinds of things.
“I’m not talking about Martin O’Neill here, I’m talking about many people over the years who have spent big money.
“And that’s why I was brought in.”
Since taking over, Di Canio has overseen a radical transformation in the way that Sunderland players, live, train, eat and socialise.
And in the summer, half-a-dozen first-team squad players were shown the door, Phil Bardsley and Lee Cattermole have been sidelined, and 11 new players brought in.
On top of that, Di Canio has sought to change Sunderland’s whole style of play – ultimately hoping to successfully install a 4-2-4 formation throughout the club.
This is change on a huge scale, but the former Swindon boss says he is prepared to put in the long hours and days needed to give it the best possible chance of working.
And he believes that he has the backing of Sunderland supporters in looking to make it happen.
“The fans are intelligent and I think they care that we are trying to do things well now,” he said.
“I think that they can smell that things are being done right at the club.”
Eyes on Altidore: Sunderland striker fires another blank in Southampton draw
United States international still to score his first goal for the Black Cats.
Frustration will undoubtedly be the overriding emotion coursing through Jozy Altidore after he fired another black for Sunderland in their 1-1 draw with Southampton.
The United States striker failed to open his Black Cats account on his debut against Fulham last week and endured another miserable afternoon, this time at St Mary’s where he was starved of service and chances on the south Coast.
Altidore had four opportunities to break his duck against the Cottagers seven days ago but was restricted to just one sight of goal on Saturday, a tame close range effort that was saved, compared to the eight shots Saints striker Rickie Lambert was permitted.
Sunderland’s insufficient crossing accuracy didn’t aid his cause (only 21% of their deliveries were successful), while he struggled to contend with a stream of high balls, connecting with just three of the 13 that were knocked up towards him as he was marshalled well by the Southampton rearguard.
A contributing factor in a dismal 90 minutes for Altidore was the failure of Paolo Di Canio’s side to play to his strengths as a front man, but on the rare occasion the ball did land at the 23-year-old’s feet he failed with his two attempted take-ons.
Although he’s still feeling his way back into the Premier League and a new team more will be expected of Altidore in the coming weeks.
Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio lamented the lack of physicality in his side at set-pieces after Saturday's 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Di Canio's men conceded an 88th-minute equaliser to a Jose Fonte header from James Ward-Prowse's free kick.
Emanuele Giaccherini had nodded home an early corner unmarked to give Sunderland the lead, but Di Canio underlined his desire to add a greater physical presence to his squad, regardless.
"There was a reason I asked for another centre midfielder with a physical presence, possibly British," he said.
"I played here for a number of years and know this league more than some managers who have managed here for 20 years."
Sunderland have been busy in the transfer market over the summer, but Di Canio insisted he still needed to make further signings.
"I've asked continually for two more additions to this team but British with a physical presence," he said.
"I had the same situation at Swindon. We brought in a revolution of 12 or 13 players from abroad but straight away I said I want two or three British players with a physical presence.
"At the end of the season we won the league. I can't promise we will win the league here but we would have less problems.
"At the moment we only have two centre-halves and one striker who can use their bodies to mark opponents."
Sunderland AFC's scouts have been looking at bringing Dundee United’s teenage wonderkid Ryan Gauld to Wearside
Sunderland are eyeing a move for Dundee United’s teenage wonderkid Ryan Gauld – a 17-year-old forward nicknamed the ‘Baby Messi’ in Scotland.
The Journal understands that a senior scouting delegation from the Black Cats watched the Tannadice club’s under-21 game against Partick on Tuesday, and Scotland under-19 international Gauld was the prime reason for their presence.
Sunderland are keen to add more quality to their development squad and swooped for El-Hadji Ba and Duncan Watmore over the summer, but there are more funds available to strengthen the group – and the Black Cats want more talent that can challenge their first-team squad.
Gauld is seen in that mould and he has been earning rave reviews and already made 13 first-team appearances. He particularly impressed in the 3-0 defeat of Partick’s youngsters before being taken off in the second half.
The Black Cats were also running the rule over Scotland under-19 international defender John Souttar, who made his first-team debut for Dundee United at just 16 back in January, and 18-year-old midfielder Darren Petrie.
Gauld is contracted to Scottish Premiership club until 2016 but the lure of a move to the Premier League would undoubtedly appeal for a player who is a key member of Ricky Sbragia’s talented Scotland under-19 side.
Sunderland’s presence north of the border also illustrates that Paolo Di Canio’s summer “revolution” is not just intended as a short-term fix at the Stadium of Light.
Ellis Short wants the Academy and the development squad to continue feeding the production line that has seen Sunderland supplied with first-team players Jordan Henderson, Jack Colback and Grant Leadbitter in recent years.
The presence of Di Canio’s scouting staff – with chief scout Valentino Angeloni understood to have taken a personal interest in the Scottish scouting mission – is further evidence that the club is attempting to build for the future.
A more pressing concern for Di Canio is completing the rebuilding work that was started during the close season and Sunderland made their tenth senior signing of the summer yesterday, sealing a deal for Greece winger Charis Mavrias.
The 19-year-old signed a four-year contract after finally completing an on-off transfer from Panathinaikos. The fee was officially undisclosed but is understood to be around £2.5m – with Sunderland making a down-payment of just £1.5m.
It is good business for a player who has played more than 70 times for his club and has appeared twice for his country as a teenager.
Di Canio is delighted with the signing of a player full of enthusiasm, with the squad now having true competition for places.
“He’s a young – a prospect and a talent. He’s full of energy and he has good quality,” he said. “I’m very happy because he is more mature than his age. He is a guy whose enthusiasm is infectious – he has a good future.
“We have five wingers now. There is an international break coming but we will play three games in a week and we will use all of these players. We want to be protagonists in the Cup and the league. It’s not easy but with more quality comes more desire for places and I will try to rotate my players.”
Sunderland have again been linked with Toulouse left-back Cheikh M’Bengue as well as Swansea’s creative midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung.
The Agenda: What is Paolo Di Canio thinking at Sunderland?
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. As a keen student of Roman history, Paolo Di Canio will recognise the sentiment – even if the Latin words don’t immediately register to Sunderland’s workaholic head coach
Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. As a keen student of Roman history, Paolo Di Canio will recognise the sentiment – even if the Latin words don’t immediately register to Sunderland’s workaholic head coach.
“I shall either find a way,” the words translate as. “Or make one.”
In those first frantic weeks in charge of the Black Cats, Di Canio was finding a way. Compromise was the watch-word as the manager charmed and chivvied his squad in equal measure. Mission accomplished by mid-May, he is now right in the thick of “making a way”. There is a sort of brutal, beautiful logic to the Black Cats overhaul – but there is a high stakes game being played by Sunderland here.
The good news for Sunderland supporters is that while there may appear to be a sort of chaos about the sheer number of enquiries being made by their club, this is months in the making. As far back as the Queens Park Rangers defeat, when Sunderland were at the their lowest ebb, Ellis Short was preparing to radically overhaul the club and even went as far as introducing his latest recruit to Martin O’Neill.
Roberto De Fanti is the son of one of Ellis Short’s closest associates. He is the architect of this Italian revolution and has been advising Short from the start on where to go, assuaging the owner’s anxiety that his club might never be able to scout as ingeniously as others in the Premier League.
Fearing that the domestic market offered little value, Short wanted to go abroad. But he was being told by his existing scouts – along with his reluctant former manager – that to gain traction in many European markets that have traditionally provided Premier League players would require years of patient ground-work and investment. It was time that Short, a voraciously ambitious and successful man who wants things done yesterday, couldn’t afford.
De Fanti’s answer was to look to Italy, a market that has never been properly explored by English clubs. There has been Italian influence in the Premier League, of course, but no club has ever gone deeper than established first-team players. Sunderland, De Fanti believes, could do that – if they employed the right person.
Bringing in Valentino Angeloni was clearly a coup. He is respected in Serie A circles, and the mere mention of his name opens doors. Sunderland have found that their enquiries are taken very seriously in Italy now that he is attached to the club – and it is driving their recruitment policy to places they didn’t expect it to. Promising young Italian players are being offered to them now. CNN’s Italian correspondent Tancredi Palmeri says that in Italy, the perception of Sunderland has altered dramatically in the last few weeks.
Viewed as a curiosity when Di Canio was first handed the job, their activity in the transfer market has added substance to the profile according to the Gazetta dello Sport writer.
“The perception of Sunderland in Italy is not that they are an Italian club. We think more about the ownership than the management but they have been followed with more interest since the end of the season because the bids they have made are pretty specific,” he said.
“They have made contact about Duncan and Ibrahim M’Biaye. They are not the kind of players you would have expected anyone to bid for this summer, never mind an English club. That is not because they are bad players but because very few people in the game would have had the knowledge to bid for these players with the confidence that Sunderland have done.
“Look at Liverpool buying Coutinho. That was a surprise because I did not expect them to sell him but he was a player with the Brazilian international side so the knowledge is there for teams in England. The fact that they have bid for the players they have bid for, that changes everything.
“In England they are unknown but in Italy, we know they could be the next two big things to come out of Inter. That news really changed the idea of Sunderland – they are now seen as a major player in Italy.”
This work is being done with Di Canio’s knowledge, but his concern is how to turn his squad into a fighting force in time for the start of the Premier League season.
Privately, there was doubt about whether he would follow through with the fury of White Hart Lane, but he has backed it up by telling several high-profile players they can leave. He was pragmatic enough to let Simon Mignolet go too, having decided that he wants his Black Cats to exhibit total commitment to the cause next year. That couldn’t be guaranteed by a player anxious to be his country’s number one in time for the World Cup. Stephane Sessegnon’s sorcery did more than anyone to keep Sunderland in the Premier League. But he has also been counseled on the forward’s lack of form in the early weeks of the season, which might explain a willingness to sell at the right price. Lee Cattermole, too, is available.
Here in England, there are sceptical voices. One agent who has worked with Sunderland in the past is uncertain about where it will go – and says that sense of the unknown probably extends to the manager. He feels it might even be a deliberate ploy as Di Canio tries to tackle the complacency that has clouded Sunderland’s progress in the past. He told The Journal : “None of us know what kind of Sunderland will line up next season – not even the manager. That is my honest belief. If he brings in ten and none are English, that’s a big upheaval. How can that possibly work?”
Di Canio would love to hear that. It has been a common complaint among recent Sunderland managers, attracted by the potential of a club that brings in big gates and has spending power, that the job has turned out to be a bigger one than they first assumed. For Di Canio, the size of the challenge is half the fun of it. Whatever happens next year, no one could accuse him of shying away from the obvious changes that needed to be made.
Coverage: Watch highlights on The League Cup Show on Wednesday at 2335 BST, BBC One.
Manager Paolo Di Canio could make several changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Southampton at the weekend.
Full-back Jack Colback was substituted after taking a knock and might not be risked.
As they did in their first-round win over Northampton, MK Dons are expected to give some of their younger players a run-out.
Goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin is likely to deputise for David Martin between the posts.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
These two teams met for the first time in the third round of the League Cup at the Stadium of Light last season. Despite having Lee Cattermole sent off in the first half, Sunderland won 2-0 with second-half goals from Craig Gardner and James McClean.
Sunderland
Sunderland have alternated between progression and elimination in their last 10 home League Cup games. They are due a victory here.
The Black Cats are looking for their first win of the season, having drawn one and lost one so far in the Premier League.
MK Dons
MK Dons have progressed in each of their last three second round matches, scoring 10 goals in the process.
The Dons have reached the third round just four times in their history, defeating a side from a higher division on each occasion.
Paolo Di Canio warns Sunderland against Capital One Cup slip-up against MK Dons
Di Canio knows Karl Robinson's League One side well from his time as Swindon manager
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has warned his players they can take nothing for granted as they attempt to launch a Capital One Cup run against MK Dons.
Di Canio knows Karl Robinson's League One side well from his time as Swindon manager and, while he believes their style of football might suit the Black Cats, he is expecting a difficult evening at the Stadium of Light.
He said: "They are good, they are good. I know Karl, I know the way they play - they are a similar team to last year.
"I have told my players, 'Remember this team'. They now have some youngsters, but it's a traditional club where you can find ex-Premier League and Championship footballers with quality and pedigree and in one game. They can cause problems to any side in the Premier.
"Probably in League One, you have a different habit. If you want to play too much football, sometimes you can have a problem.
"But it's a team that will fight for the top six places and they play football like you don't see often in League One.
"With them, we know we are going to have difficulty because they have physical presence, they are strong, they have good athletes and a good system.
"They play very well. But in some ways, it will be easier for us. Once we get the ball, we can play football like we want, like we did at home in the first game against Fulham.
"But anyway, it will be tough, a tough challenge."
MK Dons will arrive on Wearside boasting an unbeaten five-game start to the campaign in all competitions, although they have won only twice, beating Northampton in the first round of the same competition and Crewe in the league.
The two clubs met in the third round of the League Cup last season with goals from Craig Gardner and James McClean securing a 2-0 victory for the Barclays Premier League side at Stadium MK despite Lee Cattermole's first-half dismissal.
However, Sunderland failed to build on the victory and were dumped out of the competition by derby rivals Middlesbrough.
That came as a major disappointment to manager Martin O'Neill, and his successor is placing an equally high priority on the Capital One Cup.
Di Canio said: "If you want to build a winning mentality, it goes in line with the league. It's very, very important.
"It's obvious that, from a company point of view, to maintain the league is crucial.
"To have life, not in terms of the economic situation, but in terms of results, in terms of delivering a winning mentality, we have to take every competition seriously with maximum effort and determination - otherwise we are never going to change the mentality.
"Obviously, you can lose, you can win, you can draw, but we can see if there is desire in facing MK Dons like we have to do against Manchester City.
"If we can change this mentality, we are going to be okay for the future also in the league because a winning habit is very important."
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Tuesday night's Capital One Cup second-round clash with League One MK Dons.
Left-back Jack Colback limped off early in the second half of Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at Southampton, but, while remaining coy, the Italian insisted he had no fitness problems other than Steven Fletcher (ankle) and Wes Brown (knee).
However, Di Canio is likely to use the depth of a squad which has been boosted significantly by a summer recruitment drive.
MK Dons' young players are expected to get another chance to impress against Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.
As they were for the first-round win over Northampton, the likes of Tom Flanagan, Brendan Galloway, Dele Alli and George Baldock are all thought to be in the squad that has travelled to the north east.
Goalkeeper Ian McLoughlin is also likely to deputise for David Martin between the posts at the Stadium of Light.
McLoughlin made his first start for the Milton Keynes club in the same competition against Sunderland last year.
On that occasion the Black Cats were reduced to 10 men when Lee Cattermole was shown a straight red card in the first half at stadium:mk, but the Premier League side still progressed through to the next round thanks to goals from Craig Gardner and James McClean.
Everton could hijack Sunderland loan deal for midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic
SUNDERLAND have agreed a loan deal for Inter Milan midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic, but fear Everton could make an 11th-hour bid to scupper the move.
Kuzmanovic is willing to go to Sunderland, but is holding out for interest from the Toffees, who will move for the 25-year-old if they lose Marouane Fellaini to Manchester United.
Sunderland have been told to up their £5million bid for US international Michael Bradley by Roma, while manager Paolo Di Canio is also tracking Swansea midfielder Ki Yeung-Sung.
MK Dons carry a physical threat and they pass the ball wel
Paolo Di Canio
Sunderland host League One MK Dons in the second round of the Capital One Cup bidding for a first win of the season and Di Canio added: “MK Dons carry a physical threat and they pass the ball well.”
A late brace from Connor Wickham completed a remarkable comeback as Sunderland came from 2-0 down to defeat Milton Keynes Dons in the League Cup.
Patrick Bamford fired the League One side in front from 20 yards and Izale McLeod's deft chip doubled the lead.
Jozy Altidore's first goal for Sunderland began a stunning fightback.
Substitute Wickham levelled from a Sebastian Larsson cross and made it 3-2 to the hosts with a deflected strike, before Adam Johnson wrapped up the win.
Sunderland 4 MK Dons 2: Wickham late show rescues Di Canio's blushes in six-goal thriller
Sunderland were rescued from an embarrassing Capital One Cup exit at the hands of League One MK Dons by substitute Connor Wickham.
The visitors needed only seven minutes to take the lead through Patrick Bamford and then doubled their advantage 10 minutes after the break through Izale McLeod.
Jozy Altidore, however, ensured a nervy finish when he pulled a goal back in the 78th minute and then Wickham struck twice in the final five minutes and Adam Johnson added a fourth to send the Premier League side through.
Liverpool Consider Surprise £11m Bid For Sunderland Winger Adam Johnson
Reds eye up England international after missing out on prime targets.
Liverpool could be set to make a surprise bid to Sunderland for former Manchester City winger Adam Johnson, CaughtOffside understands.
The 26-year-old is seen as a decent option on the flanks for Liverpool after the sale of Stewart Downing to West Ham and Oussama Assaidi’s season-long loan move to Stoke City.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has been keen to add quality in the wide areas for much of this summer, but has so far missed out on the likes of Willian and Scott Sinclair, whilst seemingly not making any progress in the chase for Porto’s Christian Atsu.
After successfully reviving Daniel Sturridge’s career since signing him from Chelsea in January, Rodgers is confident that he can help Johnson regain the fine form he showed at points during his Manchester City career, which saw him become an England regular.
The former Middlesbrough youngster joined City in 2010 as one of the brightest prospects in the country, and seemed to adapt quickly to life in the Premier League, looking a lively and exciting player and fitting in well among the many big-money signings made by City during this period.
However, with former City manager Roberto Mancini continuing to splash the cash, Johnson’s place in the side became increasingly under threat, and a slight dip in performances saw him moved on to Sunderland last summer for around £10million.
Although Johnson is one of the most naturally gifted English players, he has continued to struggle to reach his best form in a Sunderland side that fought against relegation for much of last season, and although better things are expected of them this time round under new manager Paolo Di Canio, the Stadium of Light is arguably not the best stage for the winger to display his true potential.
Liverpool are expected to try their luck with an offer of £11million, and may bid higher if Sunderland are reluctant to sell. With much of Liverpool’s game under Rodgers based around skillful and technical players, Johnson could prove a useful addition to their squad as they look to mount a strong challenge for a top four place this year.
Some Liverpool fans may worry that the signing of Johnson could be an echo of the club’s recent failure in bringing in English talent, with the likes of big signings Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson all failing to cope with making the move to Anfield.
However, Johnson’s ability to play right or left should give him plenty of opportunities to impress, and this could be the ideal move for him to get back to his best and put himself back in contention for an England place ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Danny Graham out of Hull City's cup clash after Sunderland refuse permission to play
DANNY Graham has been ruled out of Hull City’s Capital One Cup clash at Leyton Orient tonight after Sunderland refused to grant him permission to play.
The striker is on a season-long loan from the Black Cats, with a recall clause inserted in January, and it appears Mackems manager Paulo Di Canio does not want to see his player cup-tied.
Danny Graham can't believe he is not allowed to play after travelling to Brisbane Road
Graham had travelled to Brisbane Road for the game and was expecting to lead the line for Steve Bruce’s side, until the decision came to the attention of City officials during the warm-up.
Bruce was left bemused by the decision and said: “Is it Di Canio, being DiCanio? I’m not so sure.
“But when you think about it, he’s here until January at least and the final is in March.
“I don’t know whether it’s him being difficult, I don’t know. He didn’t allow him to play so well abide by it.”
Hull City to face Leyton Orient (4-4-2): Harper, Rosenior, Bruce, McShane, Dudgeon, Mclean, Meyler, Boyd, Stewart, Fryatt, Proschwitz. Subs: Jakupovic, Davies, Chester, Brady, Jahraldo-Martin, Townsend, Aluko.
Sunderland 4-2 MK Dons: Late, late show from Sunderland ends Dons’ run
A late fightback from Premier League Sunderland broke Dons’ hearts as they let slip a two goal lead to go down 4-2 at the Stadium of Light, ending their Capital Cup run.
Patrick Bamford fired Dons into a seventh minute lead before Izale McLeod sensationally doubled it early in the second half. But Jozy Altidore pulled one back for Paolo Di Canio’s men with 14 minutes remaining, sparking a monumental fightback. Substitute Connor Wickham had earlier missed a sitter but couldn’t miss from six yards with four minutes to go before his strike took a cruel deflection off Ben Reeves put Sunderland 3-2 up with a minute remaining. Adam Johnson added another in stoppage time to make it 4-2.
As expected, Karl Robinson made wholesale changes to the side which started on Saturday against Bristol City. Among others, Izale McLeod and Alan Smith were handed their first starts of the season, while Ian McLoughlin came in to replace David Martin in goal.
Robinson said he’d be going through the motions in this game, not especially worried about the result, though there was a beaming smile across his face after seven minutes when Patrick Bamford fired his side into the lead.
After a stray pass was picked up by Dele Alli on half way, he broke forward and found Bamford on the edge of box. Spinning his man with a brilliant touch, Bamford fired in left-footed and low passed Vito Mannone in the Sunderland net.
It could have been even worse three minutes later when Alan Smith, who received an unsurprisingly hostile reception from the home supporters, got the last touch on Stephen Gleeson’s free kick from the left flank, forcing keeper Mannone into a fine save, diving to his left.
The home side were really struggling to get going, and the fans were quick to let them know. Misplaced passes were met with jeers of disgust as early as the fifth minute, and their mood barely changed in the opening 20 minutes as Sunderland failed to create anything of worth against their lower league opponents. Jozy Altidore’s long range free kick straight at McLoughlin was as close as they came.
At the other end, a brilliant move featuring four one-touch passes made space for Izale McLeod who came within inches of doubling Dons lead when he shrugged off the attentions of Jack Colback but fired his shot just wide of Mannone’s goal.
From there, the tie developed into a messy midfield scrap. Both sides put together some decent moves in the middle of the park, but found their killer ball was distinctly average.
Sunderland though should have been level a minute before the break when Jozy Altidore worked himself some room on the edge of the box and curled in a right-footed effort across McLoughlin. His strike beat the keeper but not the frame of the goal, but as it bounced back into play, David Moberg-Karlsson couldn’t control the loose ball, stabbing at it and lofting it comfortably back into McLoughlin’s arms.
Dons came close to making it 2-0 once again just 90 seconds after half time when Bamford’s step-overs held up play long enough for Gleeson to arrive on the edge of the box, grazing the top of the bar with his strike.
But it wasn’t long before it was 2-0. With the Sunderland line up on halfway, Carruthers picked up on the loose ball in midfield and spotting the run from McLeod, played him in behind. Racing through, McLeod showed no signs of rustiness in front of goal as he brilliantly dinked the ball over the despairing Mannone to double the lead.
Sunderland should have pulled one back immediately though, but McLoughlin pulled off a fine stop to keep out Moberg-Karlsson’s shot on the turn, and substitute Connor Wickham was inches away from the follow-up as the ball was blasted back across the face of goal.
The home side kept on coming too, with Adam Johnson the next to chance his arm with 22 minutes remaining. Mugging Ben Reeves on the edge of the area, Johnson turned and sprinted through on goal, but his close-range shot was well saved by McLoughlin.
Some fans were heading for the Stadium of Light exit doors with 14 minutes to go, but they’d have missed Jozy Alitdore get his side right back in the mix. Latching on to Wickham’s deft lofted ball over the top, Altidore no second invitation to rifle into the bottom corner, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
And few would have predicted Wickham’s equaliser with four minutes to go as Ondrej Celustka overlapped Johnson on the right to set up the tap in equaliser to send the game towards extra time.
But it wasn’t to be with a minute of normal time remaining, and it shattered Dons’ hearts. Wickham shook off Antony Kay and fired a shot towards goal. It looked to be safely heading to McLoughlin, but a deflection off Ben Reeves’ backside wrong-footed the keeper and the ball tamely trickled over the line to put Sunderland into the lead.
Adam Johnson fired the final nail in the coffin as he raced clear and smashed past McLoughlin from a tight angle in stoppage time.
Robinson probably would have taken the result at the beginning of play, but having seen his side take a two goal lead, arguably will feel more than a little aggrieved on the bus on the way home.
Four late goals brought Sunderland back from the brink of defeat against MK Dons in the Capital One Cup.
Patrick Bamford’s early goal put the away side ahead after seven minutes from Ji Dong-won’s error, stunning the home crowd.
A much-changed Sunderland side struggled to find a foothold in the match andafter half time, it got worse for them.
Izale McLeod profited from Cabral’s mistake after 55 minutes to give the League One side a two-goal advantage.
Jozy Altidore’s first Sunderland goal then put Paolo Di Canio’s side back in it and Adam Johnson’s first of the evening restored parity.
Substitute Connor Wickham then scored to give Sunderland the lead against the run of play.
Johnson’s second of the night then rounded off the win that sent Sunderland through to the third-round of the cup.
KEVIN Ball’s side maintained its 100 per cent start to the season tonight with a third successive victory.
And the win was fair reward for a display of energy and commitment from the whole side across the course of the game.
Ball fielded a young team with no senior players involved either in the starting line-up or on the bench.
But that did not prove a drawback for a side full of youthful intent and exuberance from the start.
The Black Cats problem though lay not in endeavour, but in finishing.
For the first 50 minutes of the match, Sunderland’s junior side mirrored the first team so far this season in producing some fine attacking football but without a cutting edge.
Adam Mitchell set the pattern, lifting a shot across goal from the left in the fifth minute after some good work.
And five minutes later striker Mikael Mandron’s shot was blocked and Duncan Watmore’s follow up saved by Rovers keeper Simon Eastwood.
Watmore was particularly lively and busy in the opening half-hour and in the 31st minute he linked well with Mandron before lifting a ball over a defender with one foot and volleying across the face of goal with the other.
But despite that effort and a couple of others before the break, Sunderland went into the break with nothing on the scoreboard to show for an opening half of near complete domination.
They finally made the breakthrough in the 50th minute when Mandron forced the ball through several challenges in the Rovers area before stroking a low left-foot shot across keeper Eastwood from right of goal.
The goal lifted the home team and a couple of minutes later the young Frenchman burst through again but then drove straight at Eastwood.
Alex Gorrin fired wide in the 63rd minute when well-placed but atoned two minutes later when a Rovers handball in the area allowed him to stroke home Sunderland’s second from the spot – confidently striking a rising shot to Eastwood’s left.
That looked as though that might be that as a contest but Rovers showed great spirit and striker Devran Green pulled a goal back with a composed finish from a breakaway move in the 68th minute.
But Sunderland held their nerve and restored their two-goal advantage in the 75th minute when Liam Marrs went on a fine run down the right and pulled the ball back for Carl Lawson whose shot was parried by the keeper, only for Adam Mitchell to nip in smartly and toe-poke the loose ball home from a couple of yards out.
Late substitute George Honeyman might have added a fourth goal for the home side in the closing stages but it was ruled out for offside.
That would have been harsh on a Rovers side though which never gave up and went close with the last shot of the game, a low drive which flashed wide of Joel Dixon’s goal.
SUNDERLAND staged a dramatic late comeback to progress into the Capital One Cup third round after coming from two goals down against MK Dons.
Paolo Di Canio’s side were facing Stadium of Light humiliation against the League One outfit after Patrick Bamford’s first half strike was doubled by Izale McLeod after the break.
But substitute Connor Wickham turned the game in Sunderland’s favour, with the England Under-21s striker making one and scoring two in a stunning 12-minute spell.
Wickham fed Jozy Altidore for the American international’s first goal in Sunderland colours in the 78th minute, before he found the net himself with an 86th minute equaliser from Ondrej Celustka’s cross.
A fortunate third then arrived with a minute remaining of normal time when Wickham’s shot from the edge of the area took a huge deflection and nestled in the far corner.
Adam Johnson completed the 4-2 win in stoppage time when he smashed the ball home from an impossible angle on the right-hand touchline.
Paolo Di Canio made six changes from the weekend’s draw at Southampton, with Vito Mannone and David Moberg-Karlsson both handed their Sunderland debuts.
Cabral, Valentin Roberge, David Vaughan and Ji Dong-won were also introduced, with Stephane Sessegnon, Craig Gardner, Modibo Diakite and Emanuele Giaccherini left out entirely and Seb Larsson and Keiren Westwood dropped to the bench.
There was also a place among the substitutes for Steven Fletcher after five months on the sidelines with an ankle injury, while new signing Charis Mavrias was included on the bench too.
MK Dons boss Karl Robinson also made six changes to the side, with former Newcastle United man Alan Smith included in the starting line-up.
It was the visitors who took a shock seventh minute lead after Ji Dong-won gave the ball away cheaply midway inside the Sunderland half.
Dele Alli fed Patrick Bamford on the edge of the Black Cats area and his right-footed shot wrong-footed Vito Mannone, who was caught out at his near post.
Three minutes later, MK Dons almost doubled their advantage when Stephen Gleeson whipped in a free-kick from the left flank, which glanced off the head of Cabral.
The ball was heading towards the far corner, but at full-stretch, Mannone managed to parry it away superbly.
MK Dons went perilously close to doubling their advantage again in the 19th minute when Izale McLeod got in behind the two Sunderland centre-halves.
McLeod burst away from those tracking back, but from the edge of the area, the frontman scuffed his left-foolted shot a yard wide of the post.
Moberg-Karlsson struck a shot on the turn two yards wide of the far post in the 25th minute after inadvertantly taking Jack Colback’s drive effort under control.
A minute before the break, Sunderland created by far their best effort of the first half when Jack Colback teed up Jozy Altidore on the far left-hand side of the area.
Altidore let fly with a powerful right-footed shot across goal which crashed back off the inside of the far post, with Moberg-Karlsson unable to scramble home the rebound.
HALF-TIME Sunderland 0 MK Dons 1
MK Dons went close again just a minute into the second half when Gleeson unleashed a right-footed drive from 20 yards which cleared the bar by inches.
But in the 55th minute, a second did arrive for the visitors after Cabral cheaply gave the ball straight to Alli, who played a first-time pass in behind the Sunderland defence for McLeod.
McLeod had no-one in close attention and kept his composure superbly to lift the ball over Mannone into the net.
Sunderland almost pulled a goal back immediately when Moberg-Karlsson met Johnson’s cross 12 yards out, but saw his shot pushed away by Ian McLoughlin.
The hosts re-grouped and Altidore picked out the overlapping Colback whose driven cross was directed high and wide by substitute Connor Wickham.
Sunderland went close again in the 68th minute when Johnson robbed left-back Ben Reeves, drove inside from the right, but his shot towards the far corner was blocked well by McLoughlin.
Di Canio’s side finally did halve the deficit in the 77th minute when Wickham sent Altidore clean through on goal with a first-time half-volley.
Altidore kept his composure as he raced into the area and slotted a right-footed shot beyond McLoughlin into the far corner.
Wickham then turned from provider to scorer in the 86th minute, with his first Sunderland goal since January.
Substitute Seb Larsson picked out Johnson on the right-hand side of the area and the winger fed Celustka on the overlap.
The Czech delivered a low cross into the six-yard box and Wickham was there to squeeze the ball inside the near post.
Three minutes later, Sunderland were ahead, albeit with more than a touch of fortune.
Wickham scuffed a right-footed shot from the edge of the area which took a huge deflection off Ben Reeves - wrong-footing McLoughlin as the ball rolled into the far corner.
Sunderland then sealed their passage in the sixth minute of stoppage time when Johnson burst down the right flank and smashed the ball across McLoughlin from an impossible angle on the right-hand touchline.
FULL-TIME Sunderland 4 MK Dons 2
SUNDERLAND: Mannone, Celustka, Roberge, O’Shea, Colback, Moberg-Karlsson (Mavrias 65), Vaughan, Cabral (Larsson 61), Johnson, Ji (Wickham 49), Altidore. Subs not used: Westwood, Fletcher, Ba, Cuellar. Booked: Johnson (90)
Say what you want about Paolo Di Canio. But at 2-1 down on 87 minutes, if we'd have scored to make it 2-2, my team NUFC with Alan "retarded" Pardew as manager would have told them to sit back and play for extra time.
Paolo Di Canio pushed them to get not just another, but another 2 goals in 4 minutes.
I don't know why people think Sunderland are considered relegation fodder at all, in all honesty. I rate Di Canio very highly and feel his strict, fitness intensive regime will pay dividends, especially when other sides in the division have numerous cup and league fixtures close together. The new signings will need a bit of time to find their feet and/or gel as a unit, but I believe Sunderland will finish comfortably in mid-table, i pick the other north-east team to go down first.
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:52
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Name:
Anonymous2013-08-29 11:53
Good old Arsenal,
Good old Arsenal,
we're proud to say that name.
And while we sing this song,
we'll win the game.
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira wo o eo,
he comes from Senengal,
he plays for Arsenal,
Vieira wo o e o, Vieira
He's blond, Hes quick
His names a porno flick,
emmanuel, emmanuel
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal,
One-nil to the Arsenal!
(repeat)
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal,
We`ll win coz we`re Arsenal!
(repeat)
Que sera sera
Que sera sera
what ever will be will be
we`re going to Wemberly
que sera sera.
Roll out the Arsenal
Roll out the Arsenal
Lets have a barrel of fun
Roll out the Arsenal
We've got them all on the run
Just one more goal now
Then how we all will cheer 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
The Gang's all here
You are my Arsenal
You are my Arsenal,
My only Arsenal,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey,
You'll never know just,
How much I love you,
So please don't take,
My Arsenal...Away
Na na na na na (ooh)
Na na na na na (ooh ooh)
na na na na na...
We hate Nottingham Forest
We hate Liverpool too
We hate West Ham United
But Arsenal we love you
Who's that team they call the Arsenal?
Who's that team we all adore?
They're the boys in red and white,
and they fight with all their might,
and they're out to show the world just how to score!"
Capital One Cup, round two: Palace out, scares for Liverpool, Sunderland and Fulham and chaos at Yeovil
Bristolian Holloway's homecoming turns sour as his Eagles lose to League One City and the rest of Tuesday and Wednesday's action
Capital One Cup, round two: Palace out, scares for Liverpool, Sunderland and Fulham and chaos at Yeovil
Bristolian Holloway's homecoming turns sour as his Eagles lose to League One City and the rest of Tuesday and Wednesday's action
Into the last 32: Will one of Tuesday's winners lift the trophy?
Ian Holloway saw his Barclays Premier League new boys Crystal Palace embarrassed by League One Bristol City in the Capital One Cup at Ashton Gate.
Second-half strikes from Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Scott Wagstaff sealed a 2-1 victory for the home side, with Owen Garvan grabbing a consolation for Palace in stoppage time.
Defeat was a blow for Holloway, but perhaps not entirely surprising - he made 11 changes from Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Stoke.
Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio avoided a similar upset as the Black Cats hit back from 2-0 down to beat League One Milton Keynes Dons 4-2 at the Stadium of Light.
Goals from Patrick Bamford and Izale McLeod put the visitors in control before Jozy Altidore finally got the home side on the scoresheet with 12 minutes left.
The home side's dramatic revival soon kicked into gear with Connor Wickham equalising three minutes from time and netting Sunderland's third in the 89th minute.
Adam Johnson completed the comeback deep into injury time.
Birmingham beat Yeovil on spot-kicks, but only after a bizarre 3-3 draw.
Blues players and staff were incensed when Byron Webster scored to take the match into extra-time.
They felt the home side should have returned the ball to them after goalkeeper Colin Doyle had kicked the ball out of play following an injury to Birmingham defender Dan Burn.
Yeovil moved ahead in extra-time through Luke Ayling, but then immediately allowed the visitors to walk in an equaliser from Lee Novak, apparently as compensation for Webster's controversial effort, before Tom Adeyemi's penalty in the shoot-out took the 2011 League Cup winners into the third round.
Ravel Morrison marked his full West Ham debut with his first goal as the Hammers edged past League Two strugglers Cheltenham at Upton Park.
Ricardo Vaz Te's direct free-kick gave Sam Allardyce's men the lead three minutes before half-time and then Morrison struck moments into the second half after a precise cross from Stewart Downing.
Cheltenham fought their way back through a Matt Richards penalty on 58 minutes, but the Hammers held on for a 2-1 win.
Sweden international Johan Elmander marked his full Norwich debut with a brace in the Premier League side's 6-3 win over Bury.
Elmander set up Martin Olsson for a 23rd-minute opener and Anthony Pilkington made it 2-0 on the half-hour before Elmander got on the scoresheet himself seven minutes into the second half.
Bury pulled one back through Anton Forrester before Elmander hit his second and, after a second Bury goal through William Edjenguele, another Canaries new boy, Leroy Fer, made it 4-2 to the hosts.
The scoring continued into injury time with Norwich substitute Steven Whittaker grabbing a sixth for the hosts before Jessy Reindorf hit another consolation for the visitors.
Goals from Steven Davis and Jay Rodriguez sent Southampton on their way to a 5-1 romp at Championship bottom club Barnsley.
Stephen Dawson pulled a goal back before further goals from Emmanuel Mayuka, a Davis penalty and an injury-time effort from Gaston Ramirez.
Liverpool survived a scare as League One strugglers Notts County battled back from the dead to force extra-time at Anfield.
The home side appeared to be cruising after Raheem Sterling celebrated his senior England call-up by putting his side ahead in the fourth minute and Daniel Sturridge scored his third goal in as many games to make it 2-0 before half-time.
But County hit back through a Yoann Arquin header and substitute Adam Coombes fired an equaliser with six minutes of normal time remaining.
Liverpool recovered their poise in the extra half-hour and wrapped up a 4-2 win with a second from Sturridge and a fourth from Jordan Henderson.
Martin Jol's Fulham edged past League Two Burton on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw at Pirelli Stadium.
Fulham keeper David Stockdale saved the crucial spot-kick from Phil Edwards to send the top-flight club through after they fought back from behind in extra-time.
Adel Taarabt scored his first goal for the Cottagers to put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute, but Jack Dyer forced extra-time with an 85th minute equaliser.
Michael Symes put the League Two side ahead in the first period of extra-time, but Hugo Rodallega forced spot-kicks when he levelled with three minutes to spare.
Robbie Brady's 106th-minute effort proved enough as Steve Bruce's Hull battled to a tough 1-0 win over League One leaders Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road.
Brady had been on the field for barely a minute after replacing Aaron McLean in the added half-hour before slotting home the only goal of the game.
Brothers Shola and Sammy Ameobi saved Newcastle's blushes by securing a late win at Morecambe.
Shola came off the bench to open the scoring with a deflected 84th-minute shot, with Sammy making sure of the Magpies' progress in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
It was a first win of the season for manager Alan Pardew, whose much-changed side looked unconvincing in setting up a home tie with Leeds.
Elsewhere, Kenwyne Jones-inspired Stoke saw off League One side Walsall at the Britannia Stadium.
The Trinidad and Tobago striker put the hosts ahead, but Ashley Hemmings levelled in the 57th minute.
There was to be no shock, though, with Jones netting a further two to secure his hat-trick and a 3-1 win.
Aston Villa went some way to laying to rest the ghosts of last season's semi-final exit to Bradford by easing past Rotherham 3-0.
Andreas Weimann opened the scoring with a fine 20-yard effort at Villa Park, where Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph also netted.
Nicky Maynard and Rudy Gestede, who had earlier come on for the injured Andreas Cornelius, struck to ensure beaten 2012 finalists Cardiff a 2-0 win at Accrington.
Two matches went to extra-time on Wednesday, with the home sides eventually triumphing in both.
Everton looked like they could suffer an embarrassing exit to Stevenage when Luke Freeman put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute.
On-loan Barcelona prospect Gerard Deulofeu managed to level on the stroke of half-time, but the Toffees were unable to stop the match going to extra-time.
It was not until Marouane Fellaini's goal five minutes from time that eventually saw Everton through 2-1 - Roberto Martinez's first win at the Goodison Park helm.
Nottingham Forest are also through, 2-1 victors after extra-time against Millwall at the City Ground.
Liam Feeney levelled Matt Derbyshire's goal late in normal time, only for Jamaal Lascelles to head home the decider.
League One Peterborough pulled off the biggest win of the round with a 6-0 thrashing of Championship Reading at London Road.
Lee Tomlin scored a hat-trick for Posh and further goals came from Britt Assombalonga, Danny Swanson and Jack Payne.
Former Newcastle striker Nile Ranger scored his first goal for Swindon in a shock 2-0 win over Harry Redknapp's Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
An Elliott Ward own goal and Cristian Battocchio chip saw Watford past Bournemouth 2-0 at Vicarage Road.
Chris Martin and Conor Sammon both scored twice in Derby's 5-0 thrashing of Brentford, while Chris Wood scored a hat-trick as Leicester also hit five in a 5-2 win at Carlisle.
Ross McCormack's late penalty sealed a 3-1 win for Leeds in their Yorkshire derby at Doncaster, and Adam Hammill scored a late winner as Huddersfield twice came from behind to beat Charlton 3-2.
Tranmere edged out Championship Bolton 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Prenton Park and Burnley overcame Preston 2-0 at Turf Moor.
Paolo Di Canio: Win cannot hide poor Sunderland display
Manager Paolo Di Canio has said Sunderland cannot allow Tuesday's late comeback against MK Dons to overshadow a disappointing overall performance.
The Black Cats were 2-0 down with 12 minutes to go, before a four-goal burst ensured unlikely progress to round two.
Jozy Altidore and Adam Johnson scored either side of Connor Wickham's brace.
"If we don't focus attention on the first 75 minutes we will lose two or three games in this next period easily," Di Canio told BBC Newcastle.
"We're trying to develop a winning mentality but we were very poor for 75 minutes. We are going to work on it, I have to make sure that my players don't just celebrate this one win."
Victory hands the Italian his first success of the season after a defeat and a draw in the Premier League.
Meanwhile boos rang around the Stadium of Light at half-time with the Black Cats trailing 1-0 and when striker Ji Dong-Won was substituted midway through the second period.
South Korea international Ji has struggled to find form at Sunderland, with just two goals in 24 games during his time in the north-east.
He returned to the club after a fruitful spell of five goals in 17 matches at Bundesliga outfit Augsburg this summer but has failed to find the mark in three outings in 2013-14.
"He [Ji] never causes a problem at the club, in terms of professionalism, Di Canio is never going to play a player who behaves badly so I am the guarantee for the fans," Di Canio added.
"He's a good lad and a good talent, we need to use him. Today he did bad, otherwise I wouldn't have taken him off but I tell Ji he has to help himself.
"I know how to handle my players. Fans have to be sure that we do the right decision for this club, not just for one game but for the future.
"I can tell you I hope the fans understand because we would like to keep him, he's a free agent at the end of the season but until then he belongs to the club."
Sunderland in 2013-14
Aug 17: Premier League - Fulham (H) L 0-1
Aug 24: Premier League - Southampton (A) D 1-1
Aug 27: Capital One Cup - MK Dons (H) W 4-2
PAOLO DI CANIO is confident that Jozy Altidore and Steven Fletcher can form a lethal strike partnership after the Scot’s return to fitness.
Last season’s top scorer, Fletcher, was involved in Sunderland’s first-team squad for the first time since March on Tuesday night after being included as an unused substitute in the Capital One Cup victory over MK Dons.
In Fletcher’s absence, £6million summer signing Jozy Altidore (pictured, right) has led the line during the opening three games of the campaign, with the American international grabbing his first Sunderland goal against the League One Dons.
But head coach Di Canio is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to pair his two big-money strikers together and believes they both have the natural scoring instincts to be a success.
Di Canio told the Echo: “Fletcher is a player who give us another option.
“Jozy and him are the two players in the squad who are natural goalscorers.
“The others, yes, everyone can score – Ji (Dong-won), Connor (Wickham) and Sess (Stephane Sessegnon) – but they (Fletcher and Altidore) are the players who score goals on instinct, players who smell the goal.
“So he’s (Fletcher) important to us.
“You need players who can spot mistakes in the box and capitalise on them.
“We will be putting a lot of balls into the box this season and we need players like Fletcher, like Jozy, who will thrive on them.
“Together they can be a very good partnership I feel.
“And so, yes, I’m looking forward to it because, in my opinion, Fletcher is intelligent, he understands what you ask.”
Fletcher netted 11 times for Sunderland last season before suffering ankle ligament damage on international duty. It was the third successive Premier League campaign that Fletcher had netted double figures, after tallies of 12 and 10 respectively in the previous two seasons at Wolves.
All four of Fletcher’s seasons in the English top flight have been relegation battles – at Burnley, Wolves and Sunderland.
But Di Canio believes the Scotland international can “enjoy” his football this season, with the Italian aiming to avoid a place in the dogfight at the bottom of the table.
“I am going to offer him the chance to feel important for all the right reasons and to enjoy his football,” said Di Canio.
“In the four seasons he has been in the Premier League, he has been important because his goals have been needed trying to keep a side in the division.
“For me, I want him to enjoy his football, not because his goals are needed to stop a side getting relegated – not that sort of pressure.
“But that he is scoring goals for a club that is pushing higher up the table and is in a much more optimistic, positive frame of mind.
“He’s 26 and is still very young and can have some good seasons ahead playing good football and enjoy it in a team which has a very good future.”
Sunderland land Peterborough in Capital One Cup draw
Sunderland have been handed another home draw against League One opposition in the third round of the Capital One Cup.
Fresh from their dramatic, late 4-2 win over MK Dons, the Black Cats were tonight drawn to meet high-scoring Peterborough United at the Stadium of Light – probably on Tuesday, September 24.
Darren Ferguson’s Peterborough side routed Reading 6-0 in a sensational second round tie last night.
Sunderland last met Posh in the FA Cup third round two seasons ago, when the Black Cats eased to a 2-0 away victory.
Newcastle, winners at Morecambe tonight, will host Leeds United, while the big tie of the round sees Liverpool away to Manchester United.
PAOLO Di Canio praised Connor Wickham and defended Ji Dong-won as he reflected on a tale of two strikers at the Stadium of Light last night.
The South Korean put in an abject display in the Capital One Cup game against the MK Dons and the only surprise when he was subbed in the 50th minute was that the hook had not come sooner.
In contrast, his replacement Connor Wickham went on to enjoy an excellent game – producing an assist for Sunderland’s first goal and then going on to score two more himself.
“Connor took his chance to play well,” acknowledged the head coach.
“He did well at Southampton and he turned the game against the MK Dons.
“I have been impressed with him over the last couple of weeks, he has shown a lot.
“I’m very happy because he’s another player we can use in the future. I hope now that Connor does not switch off – he has to use this as a starting point.
“He has fought hard to get a position in the side and that’s what he needs to do now, to carry it on from here.
“But this was a very good game for him and he had a big say in us getting the win.”
As for Ji, Di Canio chose not to be too hard on the South Korean.
“He’s a very good quality player but it is difficult for him to play in this environment where every mistake causes a reaction.
“I understand how the fans fell because I was fan once.
“But I cannot fault his attitude – he gives everything in training and he’s technically a very good player – and I need to build his belief.
“This wasn’t a good game for him and he knows that as a striker he has to hold on to the ball better and look to play it simple.
“But he could still be an important player for us.”