Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh has been reassured by boss Roy Keane that he has a future at the Stadium of Light.
Midfielder features in plans
Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh has been reassured by boss Roy Keane that he has a future at the Stadium of Light.
Kavanagh last played for the Black Cats on 22nd December and has not featured in the first team this season as he recovers from a long-term knee problem.
Reserve outing
But the Irishman, who has been linked with a move to several clubs, has been told by Keane that he does feature in his plans and is set to play for the reserves on Wednesday night in their match against Manchester City.
"Kav is part of my plans," Keane told the club's website. "The downside for him is that he's coming back from a long-term injury and that he plays in the middle of the park - one of our strongest positions.
"He has just fallen behind. When you've been out for that length of period, you do need games.
"He's played the last few reserve games and he's played very well. He'll be looking to get 90 minutes on Wednesday.
"It will do Kav the world of good; we all know what a good player he is."
Ian Harte will also feature in the reserve fixture but Andy Cole will not line-up against his former club as he is still out of action with a calf injury.
