WATCH: Fabio Borini double secures pre-Tyne Wear derby friendly win for Sunderland

Fabio Borini netted a brace as Sunderland triumphed 3-0 against Scottish side Livingston in a behind-closed-doors encounter at the Stadium of Light yesterday.
Fabio Borini.Fabio Borini.
Fabio Borini.

With Sunderland not in action this weekend due to the clash with the FA Cup quarter-finals, Sam Allardyce had been keen to keep his players in shape with a friendly outing.

And the Black Cats were able to face lowly Scottish Championship side Livingston, managed by former Chelsea and Leeds midfielder David Hopkin, with a Borini double, plus a Seb Larsson penalty, securing the win for Sam Allardyce’s men.

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Larsson and Younes Kaboul were both able to step up their fitness levels after returning from injury, while there was also an outing for midfielder Lee Cattermole, who missed last weekend’s draw at Southampton through concussion.

Several younger players – including the likes of midfielder Ethan Robson and namesake Tommy Robson featured – as did winger Jeremain Lens, who has been out for a month after a hernia operation.

Sunderland starting XI: Pickford, Jones, Kaboul, Kone, Yedlin, Cattermole, E Robson, Larsson, Toivonen, Borini, N’Doye.