Sunderland have announced that winger Adam Johnson will remain available for selection in the first team.

Johnson has been charged with three counts of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl, but after biding their time before issuing a statement, the Black Cats have revealed that the England international can still be picked by manager Dick Advocaat.

A Sunderland statement read: "The club recognises that the formal legal process must take its course and whilst our position remains unchanged, we will keep the matter under review.

"The club will not be making any further comment."

Johnson, who has been at Sunderland since 2012, is due to appear before Peterlee Magistrates' Court on May 20.