Adam Johnson not in Sunderland squad after child sex charge admission

The Black Cats had indicated last week that Johnson would be available for selection during the trial

Adam Johnson celebrates in front of Newcastle fans (GETTY IMAGES)

Sunderland midfielder Adam Johnson will not be involved in Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash with Manchester United.

The 28-year-old is due to stand trial at Bradford Crown Court on Friday on two counts of sexually activity with a child - which he denies - after pleading guiltily to one offence of grooming and another of sexual activity with a child.

The Black Cats had indicated last week that Johnson would be available for selection during the trial, although that was before he had admitted the two charges.

Sam Allardyce, the Sunderland manager, confirmed Johnson's omission from the squad at his pre-match news conference on Thursday afternoon.

Following the England international's arrest in March 2015, the club suspended him but then lifted the ban shortly after following talks with the player's representatives.

Additional reporting by PA.