ALAN Stubbs is expected to be back at the heart of the Sunderland defence when Wanderers visit the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day.
The former Bolton captain has been out of action for a month with a groin problem, but came through a reserve team outing on Wednesday confident of returning to the Black Cats' increasingly desperate fight for Premiership survival.
Stubbs, who came through the ranks at Burnden Park and captained Wanderers during their first season in the Premiership, is delighted his return to fitness coincides with the Whites' trip to Wearside.
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