There are plenty of Irish players to cast his eye over at Carrow Road if Ireland boss Giovanni Trapatonni decides to attend in person.

Norwich pair Wes Hoolahan and Anthony will hope to continue their fine recent form - which has seen the Canaries unbeaten in seven - as well as catching Trap's eye.

However Norwich boss and former Ireland international Chris Hughton will have to make do without John Ruddy in goal against Sunderland as he recovers from thigh surgery. 

Mark Bunn deputises between the posts again.

Horrendous fumble

On the opposite bench, Martin O'Neill has two Ireland internationals to choose from - although Ireland keeper Kieren Westwood will remain seated despite Black Cats No 1 Simon Mignolet's horrendous fumble against West Brom last Saturday.

Winger James McClean will be pushing for a start but recent Ireland skipper John O'Shea is definitely out with a calf injury.

He will be replaced by Matt Kilgallon at the heart of the defence while Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole misses out with knee ligament damage.

His midfield partner Jack Colback is set to step into his central midfield slot.

Martin O'Neill will be hoping to get some crucial points on the board with the Black Cats sitting in a perilous 17th - one point above the drop zone with only two wins in their last 21.

Kick off is at 4pm