Another return for Jody Craddock

Jody Craddock might be closing in on his 36th birthday but he is set for an unusual first at Sunderland.

The Wolves defender returns to his former club set to make his first start at the Stadium of Light tomorrow since leaving the Black Cats in 2003, after being an unused substitute on his last three occasions.

Craddock, who made his 500th League start in Sunday's 3-1 win against Albion, said: "I've been back with Wolves three times but never actually played.

"If I do play it will be the first time for me which would be fantastic. I've warmed up a few times but never actually got on."

Craddock spent six years with Sunderland.

He said: "I had some good times there and have always been given a nice reception.

"The stadium is massive and the fans are great and will probably be in a party mood.

"But the players won't be in party mood."

Sunderland are without 11 players - 10 injuries and Sulley Muntari has been sent back to Inter Milan - and are safe.

But Craddock believes Wolves must show all the resolve they displayed last Sunday to have a chance of their first win at Sunderland since 1993.

He said: "It was a fantastic result against Albion and a game we'll never forget.

"We're going to approach this game in exactly the same way as we did against West Brom and look for a positive result.

"It isn't as simple as thinking the same again will automatically get us the result.

"But I do think if we keep those levels over the next two games we should get enough points to keep us up.

"It's Sunderland's last home game and they're going to want to finish well and will make it very hard for us. They've had injuries - particularly up front - and people may write them off.

"But they've got plenty of strength in the squad which they proved last weekend by winning at Bolton."