Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat had his non-international players play in a friendly yesterday.

The Daily Star says Advocaat has refused to allow his troops much downtime during the international break - arranging a behind-closed-doors game to keep them sharp ahead of the big Stadium of Light clash with Newcastle.

Advocaat fielded seven players who are set to start against their Tyneside rivals on Easter Sunday in a friendly against Motherwell yesterday.

It saw a first appearance in almost a month for midfielder Lee Cattermole, who has missed the last two matches through suspension.

Adam Johnson was another to figure at Sunderland's Academy of Light - the England winger also short of game time after his recent club suspension.