Sunderland preview

Niall Quinn brings his Sunderland side to Coventry on Sunday for the opening game of the Championship season.

Sky Blues boss Micky Adams: 'We are excited about the start of the season now. I am in a fantastic state of mind and we are all ready for it.

'It is always an exciting time at this point. We have not lost a league game yet so my confidence is sky high.'

New Sunderland defender Kenny Cunningham: 'We have to focus 100 per cent on the Coventry game this weekend and not go there thinking we'll be alright because we have had a good pre-season.

'Coventry have strengthened over the summer and are capable of challenging for promotion this time around, so we are going to have to put in a good performance.'

Gary McSheffrey is available despite his sending-off against Boavista. City have appealed against that decision but any suspension would not take effect until 14 days after the incident.

Colin Cameron is suspended for one game while fellow new signing Wayne Andrews is out injured after sustaining an injury in the Boavista game.

After a pre-season overshadowed by bids from Birmingham City and his sending-off against Boavista, McSheffrey will be looking forward to getting back to what he does best.

Sunderland went through pre-season without conceding a goal and are hoping to have a deal for West Ham full-back Clive Clarke completed in time for him to play at the Ricoh.

The highly-rated midfielder was linked with a number of Premiership clubs but earlier in the week signed a new contract at the Stadium of Light.

The two sides have yet to meet at the Ricoh Arena.

Sunderland`s last trip to Coventry came in the first game of the 2004/05 season when goals from Patrick Suffo and Eddie Johnson gave the Sky Blues three points at Highfield Road.

Gary McSheffrey, Stephen Hughes, Michael Doyle and Andy Morrell are the only four home players who played that day who are still at the club.

The Sky Blues travel to Southampton on Wednesday while Sunderland play their first home game on the same night against Birmingham City.

Vital F1 Prediction League - Join now for Monaco