Sunderland encouraged by initial Connor Wickham scans

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keeping his fingers crossed over Connor Wickham's knee injury.

The 18-year-old striker suffered suspected ligament damaged just seconds into Saturday's 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Manchester United, and Bruce was bracing himself for a long lay-off in the immediate aftermath of the game.

However, initial scans have suggested the outlook may be less gloomy, and the Black Cats will learn the full extent of any damage later this week.

Bruce said: "Initial scans are encouraging, but hopefully we will know more by the end of the week."

Wickham himself revealed the better news in a tweet last night.

He said: "Scans showing injury not as bad as first thought, waiting to see a knee specialist later in the week."

PA