Noble ready for loan

The 20-year-old has battled back to full fitness after a back problem kept him out at the start of the season.

He has been in scintillating form for the Black Cats' second string and has 13 goals in just six appearances.

His form has seen a host of Championship clubs lodge enquiries with the Wearside outfit, but new boss Martin O'Neill did not want to let anyone leave until he had time to assess the situation.

Now O'Neill is set to sanction a loan deal in order for Noble to get some first-team experience under his belt.