Sunderland vs Middlesbrough team news: Jermain Defoe starts in derby as England scouts watch closely

The striker was vital to the Black Cats’ successful bid to survive in the Premier League last season

(Getty)

David Moyes has handed Jermain Defoe a start for the North East derby against Middlesbrough with England scouts expected to be at the Stadium of Light to monitor the former Tottenham striker.

The 32-year-old was vital to the Black Cats’ successful bid to survive in the Premier League last season under new England manager Sam Allardyce and could cement his spot in the national squad with a good display today.

Moyes, Allardyce’s successor, also names Adnan Januzaj in his starting line-up for the clash with their newly-promoted neighbours while Jack Rodwell provides some midfield steel in the middle.

Boro manager Aitor Karanka, meanwhile, sticks with former Manchester City forward Alvaro Negrado, preferring the Spaniard over David Nugent in attack, as Stuart Downing and Gaston Ramirez provide the spark on the flanks.

Ex-Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan remains in goal for Karana’s men while Max Clayton, so vital to their promotion efforts, is preferred in midfield.

Sunderland: Mannone, van Aanholt, Djiliobodji, O’Shea, McNair, Love, Rodwell, Gooch, Watmore, Januzaj, Defoe.

Substitutes: Pickford, Khazri, Lens, Pienaar, Asoro, T Robson, J Robson.

Middlesbrough: Guzan, Nsue, Barragan, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Forshaw, Stuani, Ramirez, Downing, Negredo.

Substitutes: Dimi, Ayala, Baptiste, De Sart, Adomah, Discher, Nugent.