KEIREN Westwood is rated no higher than 50:50 to play in tomorrowâs Capital One Cup tie against Southampton. The Republic of Ireland keeper was injured in Sunderlandâs game against Hull City at the weekend when he was involved in a full-blooded collision with ex-Black Cat Paul McShane. The 29-year-old received treatment and even played on for a few minutes but eventually the neck and shoulder strain proved too much and he had to be substituted with former Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone taking his place just before half-time. Poyet said: âWe will leave it up to the medics decide, Iâm not an expert. âBut it was a big collision and heâs 50:50 as things stand to be available.â If Mannone continues between the posts against the Saints, it will be one of a number of changes the head coach has to make. The Uruguayan acknowledged: âAs well as Keiren, we have Andrea Dossena and Lee Cattermole unavailable because of their red cards. âSo there is two, maybe three changes, that we have to make before we start and we will look to see if we might make more.â Although Sunderland will be changed from their league line-up, Poyet still expects to put out as strong a side as possible as he looks to continue the clubâs cup progress. âIt is an important game for us and whoever comes in must realise they have an opportunity. âWith some players missing for the next few games, I expect players playing tomorrow night to be doing their very best to stake a a claim to stay in the side.â
