SUNDERLAND’S starting line-up for yesterday’s friendly win with Dundee United does not have any bearing on their potential starting line-up for their opening league game as Alex Neil looks to give as much game time to everyone.

The Black Cats fielded a strong team for their pre-season friendly at Tannadice Park as Neil made just two subs throughout the game. Trai Hume’s header and Charlie Mulgrew’s own goal from the half way line earned the Black Cats victory.

Their abandoned friendly with Rangers set them back in their pre-season plans forcing Neil to re-evaluate how his players get the minutes they need before the season begins at home to Coventry City. That mantra hasn’t change and fans can expect further changes for Tuesday night’s friendly game against Bradford City.

“That team that I picked today does not have any bearing on what the first team of the season will be” said Neil.

“What is was five lads, six including Patto (Anthony Patterson) played 90 minutes in the last game and that’s now nine lads that have played 90 minutes in this game.

“The rest of the lads will certainly play 90 minutes on Tuesday so that will be everybody ticked off 90 minutes and then we’re going to have three games left between now and the start of the season which is good. We can top each of them up in terms of what they need for minutes.

“Come the start of the season, broadly, they really should be pretty much equal or as close to that as we can.”

Ross Stewart missed the friendly game against Roma with an injury but returned for the weekend’s win over Jack Ross’ side.

Neil continues to build up his fitness before the start of the season and insists there are no lingering issues with the 26-year-old.

“Yeah no problems” said the Black Cats boss. “I certainly wouldn’t have risked them today if there had been problems. Ross wanted to play longer but that’s us done 45 minutes to 60 and then we’ll build him up to 90 in the next one. I think that is a good progression for him.”

Sunderland travel to Valley Parade on Tuesday evening who are now managed by former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes.