STEVE BRUCE has given Daryl Murphy his first real opportunity to shine under his management in tonight's Carling Cup fourth round tie with Aston Villa.

Murphy was made available for transfer in the summer but turned down an offer to go to Ipswich Town.

Now, having only appeared twice as a substitute under Bruce, the Irishman has been asked to show what he can do at the Stadium of Light.

There is no Darren Bent through injury, with Fraizer Campbell starting up front with Kenwyne Jones, while Nyron Nosworthy is recalled in defence.

As well as another chace for Paulo Da Silva from the start, teenage midfielder Adam Reed is included on the bench for the first time.

SUNDERLAND (4-4-2): Gordon; Da Silva, Nosworthy, Turner, McCartney; Henderson, Richardson, Cana, Murphy; Campbell, Jones. Subs: Fulop, Ferdinand, Healy, Meyler, Reid, Malbranque, Reed.

ASTON VILLA (4-4-2): Guzan, Cuellar, Dunne, Collins, Warnock; Milner, Reo-Coker, Petrov, A Young; Heskey, Agbonlahor. Subs: Friedel, L Young, Sidwell, Carew, Delph, Shorey, Beye.