Sotirios Kyrgiakos has been named in the Sunderland starting lineup for this evening's trip to Blackburn Rovers for the first time since joining the club in January.

The Greek international has taken the place of John O'Shea, while Phil Bardsley has recovered from a leg injury to captain the side in the absence of O'Shea and Lee Cattermole.

Steve Kean has made no changes to the side that defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 last weekend, meaning that the Olsson twins will continue down the left side of the pitch.

Blackburn: Robinson; Lowe, Dann, Hanley, Martin Olsson; Formica, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Marcus Olsson; Hoilett; Yakubu

Sunderland: Mignolet; Bardsley, Bridge, Turner, Kyrgiakos; Larsson, McClean, Gardner, Vaughan; Campbell, Bendtner