Adam Johnson to continue playing for Sunderland, despite being charged with sexual offences involving child under 16 and 'grooming'

The winger is available for selection as the Black Cats look to beat the drop

Adam Johnson at Sunderland (GETTY IMAGES)

Adam Johnson will not be suspended by Sunderland, despite yesterday being charged with sexual offences involving a child under 16 and 'grooming'.

The winger, who has 12 caps for England, has been charged with three offences of sexual activity and one of grooming, allegedly committed on a 15-year-old girl.

The 27-year-old was initially arrested at his mansion in Castle Eden in March, after which he was temporarily suspended by Sunderland.

After his bail was previously extended by police, it was decided that Johnson should be allowed to return to the club while the investigation continued. Johnson has since featured three times for the Premier League side.

Following yesterday's announcement that Johnson had been charged, Sunderland will continue to allow him to play.

"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," read a Sunderland statement.

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

Sunderland are under threat of dropping out of the Premier League, hovering one point above the relegation places. They have six games remaining this season, starting with Stoke City this weekend.

Manager Dick Advocaat said prior to the game at the Britannia Stadium: “We know that we need to earn results but we have the feeling that we can do something.”