HOWARD WILKINSON is in a "right'' pickle as Sunderland prepare for tomorrow's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Blackburn, writes Clive Hetherington.

Black Cats boss Wilkinson is without a recognised right-back for the trip to Ewood Park.

First-choice Stephen Wright is struggling to shake off a hamstring injury, Joachim Bjorklund is out with a similar problem and Mark Rossiter is sidelined with ankle trouble.

On top of that, Darren Williams is doubtful after suffering a thigh strain in last week's 2-1 defeat at Everton.

Left-sided pair George McCartney and Michael Gray could be forced to play out of position, and Wilkinson is also toying with the idea of switching Phil Babb from centre-back.

There was more bad news yesterday as Sunderland returned from a four-day training camp in Spain, when it was revealed that midfielder Sean Thornton, who has made a big impact following his recent introduction to the first team, has a thigh strain and is rated doubtful.

Wilkinson said: "It's just going to be a question of which players I have available and who can play where. We are down to the bare bones.

"At the moment every right-back on the books is injured and Thornton, who is a right-sider, is also struggling. It's a problem."

* Sunderland goalkeeper Michael Ingham has moved to York City on loan for a month. The Minstermen are without a keeper after number one Alan Fettis walked out on the club to join Hull after not being paid for two months.