Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has claimed that Phil Bardsley will be fit enough to play a part in the team's battle for Premier League survival.

The defender has been plagued by injuries this season, making four appearances for the Black Cats since the start of the year.

"Phil's had a tough old season," O'Neill is quoted as saying by Football365.co.uk. "When you're someone like him, who was injured on his second day back in pre-season, it's hard to get back to the pinnacle.

"But we rate him as properly fit now and the more players we have at our disposal, the better it will be at a time in the season when we need everyone at the club pulling together to get good results."

Sunderland, who are four points above the relegation zone with eight games to play, return to action on March 30 when they entertain league leaders Manchester United.