Sunderland expect Sam Allardyce to be in charge for tomorrow's friendly with Hartlepool United.

The Sunderland Echo says Allardyce has been at the Academy of Light this morning to take charge of Sunderland's training session after the Black Cats squad were handed a couple of days off following the return from their Austrian pre-season base.

And unless the England situation changes dramatically over the next 24 hours, Allardyce is due to be at Victoria Park tomorrow as Sunderland begin their friendly programme.

The Black Cats face League Two neighbours Hartlepool United, albeit there will be no new faces on show in red and white.