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