Staffordshire's Phil Dowd has been appointed to take charge of Sunderland's third successive away game, when the Black Catts travel to Everton tonight.

Appointed to the Select Group in 2001, Dowd made his top-flight debut in December 2001 and has regularly featured at the top level ever since.

Dowd showed 11 red cards in 45 games last year (148 yellows) and has dismissed four players in 10 games so far this season, showing a further 39 yellow cards.

He last took charge of Sunderland in October last year, when he refereed Sunderland's fourth round Carling Cup tie with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light. where he gave out five yellow cards, two of which to Black Cats Anton Ferdinand and Jordan Henderson.

The tie was taken through to extra time and penalties after no goals were scored in the first 90 minutes.

Dowd last took charge of Everton during their 3-3 away draw with Chelsea back in December.