Sunderland winger Kieran Richardson is set to miss this weekend's game against Portsmouth as he has not recovered completely from a hamstring strain.

The former Manchester United player had suffered the problem when he was making a comeback against Liverpool.

He told the Gazette: "The break has done me good and I'm now back running again.

"I can't wait to be playing football matches for Sunderland again but the Portsmouth game will come too soon.

"I don't want to put on it, it might be next week but it might be later. Hopefully it won't be too long."

Richardson scored a brace the last time the Black Cats took on Pompey, leading Roy Keane’s side to an important win.

He said: "Last time we played Portsmouth I really enjoyed the game and just scored a couple of goals.

"It would have been great to have played them again. But the main thing now is to get a good run in the side without injury.

"And for that to happen I've got to make sure I come back fully fit.

"Injuries are part and parcel of football, but my last one was just one of those things.”