Sunderland Football Club

• Nickname:Black Cats
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Paolo Di Canio

• Ground:Stadium of light
• Capacity:48353

Surgery setback for McShane

21 Jun 2008 - 13:38:14

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Sunderland defender Paul McShane faces a race to be fit for the start of the new season after suffering a knee injury while on holiday.

The 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international has already undergone surgery on a fractured kneecap, but may not recover in time to challenge for a place in Roy Keane's first starting line-up of the new campaign.

Sunderland's head of medical services, Dr Glenn Rae, told the club's official website: "It was a very complex fracture, but we managed to get Paul back with us straight away so he could get the best possible attention.

"The operation was a success and Paul will now undergo intensive rehabilitation during the course of the pre-season.

"We're hopeful he'll be able to return to action by the start of the new season."

Meanwhile, Keane has been linked with a move for veteran midfielder George Boateng, if the Dutchman decides to leave the Teessiders this summer.