JOHN OâShea is set to miss Sunderlandâs pre-season friendlies against Burnley and Hartlepool, but boss Steve Bruce still expects the former Manchester United ace to be ready for the opening day game against Liverpool on August 13. The Irishman, arguably Sunderlandâs most significant signing of the summer, has barely featured for the Black Cats so far. He returned home from the clubâs pre-season tour of Germany as a precaution after suffering a hamstring niggle and will not be risked in the games against the Clarets tomorrow or Pools on Tuesday. But Bruce insists the big defender will be ready for the start of the season. He told the Echo: âIâve got no worries about John. He wasnât involved against Kilmarnock and Iâm not looking at risking him in our next two friendlies â itâs a case of erring on the right side caution. âBut he should be able to play in our last pre-season game, against Hibs a week on Saturday, and if he comes through that heâll come into contention for the Liverpool game. âEvery player is different, but the knock heâs got is not a serious one and heâs one of those players who can come into training and pick things up very quickly. âAs things stand, Iâm sure heâll be all right for the Liverpool game.â Sunderland will have a defensive back line at Burnley tomorrow which is likely to be very different from the one that Bruce will see as his first choice when the season gets under way. As well as OâShea, Michael Turner and Titus Bramble are expected to play no part at Turf Moor, while Phil Bardsley, who picked up a knock at Kilmarnock, is a doubt. Bruce said; âMichael and Titus have returned to training but are a bit sore so I donât see them being involved against Burnley. âPhilâs strained an adductor muscle but itâs not serious
trying not to worry. we seem to have an awful lot of niggles very early and after the past 2 seasons I pray things dont get worse
I think its last seasons problems that is making Bruce be ultra careful, the Hibs starting 11 will I feel be the Liverpool starting 11.
