Breen back in the fold

Sunderland have confirmed that Gary Breen will return to action in tomorrow's televised match against Rotherham.

Breen was red carded during our 1-0 away defeat to Sheffield Utd at Bramall Lane last month for an incident spotted by one of the assistant referees, that had gone unseen by the referee and even the official match observer. BBC Radio Newcastle offered a recording of commentary from former Sunderland player turned commentator Gary Bennett, who said the incident was nothing more than "handbags", but Sunderland's appeal was turned down and Breen started an immediate three match ban.

During those three matches, Sunderland have conceded only one goal - away at Watford - but Mick McCarthy says he has no hesitation in putting Breen straight back into the squad.

"It was not a tough choice to make, Gary Breen will play," McCarthy told SAFC.com.

"Neill Collins has been excellent in three games for me but Breen is a top defender and I have no worries about making that decision."

And Breen spoke of how much he's looking forward to being back in the fold.

"I'm glad we got the three results and it puts us in a nice position for the fixtures leading up to Christmas where the real work has to be done. The lads have done really well in my absence.

"I've been watching the back-line working as a unit as opposed to the game from the stands and on Saturday they were fantastic. It looked as if they'd played there all season."