Sunderland manager Roy Keane has admitted the injury blow that has seen Kieran Richardson suffer recurrence of his hamstring problem.

The former Manchester United winger is now set to miss Saturday’s crucial home game against Wigan Athletic.

The 23-year-old England international had powered the Black Cats to a 2-0 win over Portsmouth but then missed two games – against Tottenham and Birmingham with the injury – before starting last weekend’s game at Liverpool.

However, his comeback was over painfully in just seven minutes and Keane has now confirmed the disappointing news as the Black Cats are fighting to keep themselves above the drop zone.

"It's the same injury that he had before," Keane told the club's official website. "He had trained well all week but match situations are different, it's disappointing."