Sunderland summer signing George McCartney could make his debut for the Black Cats against Wigan Athletic on Saturday at the JJB Stadium, manager Roy Keane has revealed.

27-year-old McCartney was a £6million arrival at the Stadium of Light on transfer deadline day from West Ham United, with the move from Upton Park subsequently leading to Hammers boss Alan Curbishley resigning from the East London club.

Keane is now hoping that the defender will have gained full fitness while on duty with the Republic of Ireland squad and is set to hand McCartney his Sunderland debut against the Latics.

“I would have thought George will feature at Wigan,” Keane told the club's website.

“He had one or two problems over the last few weeks but he was on the bench for West Ham last weekend, and the games he will get for Northern Ireland will help his fitness.”