Johnson in line for Sunderland return

SUNDERLAND winger Adam Johnson is set to play for the first time since being told he will face trial accused of child sex offences.

The England international was left out of the 1-1 draw at Stoke after failing to convince boss Dick Advocaat that he was mentally prepared to return after being charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child under 16, and one of grooming.

Johnson has scored five goals this season, and has made three substitute appearances under Advocaat. He has not figured since last month’s 4-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace, and is due to appear bef or e County Durham magistrates on May 20, but Advocaat said: ‘ He’s in the squad and available to play.’

The Dutch coach insists he will not lay the blame with Gus Poyet if Sunderland go down.

The Dutchman will take full responsibility should the Wearside club fail in their bid to extend an eight-season stay in the top flight, despite being given just nine games to save them from the drop.

Advocaat took charge in March with Sunderland a place above the relegation zone as Gus Poyet’s turbulent 17-month reign was brought to an end after the 4-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.

They had taken four points from the first four games under the new head coach, but have slid into the bottom three after last week’s draw at Stoke.

But Advocaat is confident he can lead the Black Cats to safety.

‘I don’t really care about whose fault it is. We’re all working together, and I will be very disappointed if the worst happens because this is a big club,’ he said.

‘I hope we can stay up, but I can’t make guarantees. If we go down, I’m not the kind of person who would say “he did it, it’s his fault”. If we go down, then I did. I would take responsibility.’