Sunderland striker Darren Bent praises team-mate Steed Malbranque for his role in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Bolton.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce says Steed Malbranque is in the squad to face Bolton despite being disciplined by the club.

Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque looks to be heading for the exit door after falling out of favour with Steve Bruce.

The chest pains midfielder Steed Malbranque suffered during Tuesday night’s clash with Portsmouth were down to a muscle injury, Sunderland have revealed.

Sunderland winger Steed Malbranque was released from hospital on Tuesday night after he was given the all clear from a chest injury.

Malbranque strikes for Black Cats

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has a major doubt over midfielder Steed Malbranque ahead of the Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Sunderland midfielder Steed Malbranque is a doubt for the final-day clash with Chelsea.

Sunderland ace Danny Collins was left furious with Steven Taylor after the Newcastle defender won a penalty in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.The Black Cats took a first-half lead through Djibril Cisse, before Taylor’s run into the box when he went down whilst shoulder to shoulder with Steed Malbranque and Howard Webb pointed to the spot.

George McCartney returns for the Blackburn FA Cup tie as does Steed Malbranque but Kirean Richardson and Nyron Nosworthy are ruled out.