Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson expects to have defender Jordan Willis available for the clash with Lincoln.

Willis was substituted in the second half of the New Year’s Day draw at Fleetwood, but Parkinson confirmed the move was not related to his recent knee injury.

Defender Tom Flanagan is expected to miss out again after picking up a hamstring injury over the Christmas period.

Meanwhile, the Black Cats have confirmed the departure of defender Laurens De Bock back to his parent club Leeds.

Lincoln boss Michael Appleton hopes to have an unnamed new signing in his side for the trip to the Stadium of Light.

He is also hoping international clearance will come through in time for Zack Elbouzedi to make his debut.

Appleton had been hoping Elbouzedi would be granted clearance to feature in the New Year’s Day win over Peterborough.

Jack Payne and John Akinde both impressed off the bench in the Posh victory and are pushing for first-team starts.