Saha amongst senior faces in development squad.

Under-21 coach Kevin Ball has a strong squad to choose from ahead of tonight's Barclays U21 Premier League game at Newcastle.

Sunderland take on the Magpies at the Sports Direct Arena (KO 7pm) with a number of senior players set to feature in order to get more game time under their belts.

Striker Louis Saha is expected to get a run-out against his former club and has been joined by fellow forwards Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-won.

There’s also a place in squad for Matt Kilgallon, while David Vaughan will continue his journey back to full fitness having played an hour in the development squad’s 2-2 draw at Spurs in their last league game.

SAFC TV subscribers can listen to live and exclusive commentary from the Sports Direct Arena, starting from 6.55pm.

Sunderland (from): Pickford, Dixon, Laing, Adams, Ferguson, Marrs, Mitchell, Laidler, Reed, Egan, Kilgallon, Dong-won, Vaughan, Saha, Wickham, Knott.