Jeremain Lens starts for Sunderland at Doncaster

Advocaat introduced Younes Kaboul as one of four changes and as the hour approached Sunderland finally found a way through, but Danny Graham could not convert Lens’ cross.

But captain O’Shea believes Advocaat will be seeing the selection puzzle as a positive, with the head coach getting the chance to experiment with his back line in tomorrow’s penultimate pre-season friendly at Doncaster.

Kaboul is expected to make his Sunderland debut at the Keepmoat Stadium, although Coates may again be a spectator after only returning to pre-season training last week, following his extra time-off in the summer due to his Copa America involvement.

Lens started on the right-hand side of a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Adam Johnson afforded a free role behind lone striker Steven Fletcher and Jermain Defoe lining up on the left.

The start of season Legion of Light is now in the post to season card holders. “I’m sure it will be the same during my season at the club”.

Paul Dickov’s side then took the lead after 15 minutes as Harry Forrester’s cross was smashed beyond Sunderland keeper Costel Pantilimon by former Arsenal youngster Evina from 12 yards.

However Sunderland’s problems further forward are even more serious.

His best moment came shortly before the interval as he darted past two defenders cutting in from the left-hand side, only for his low strike to deflect narrowly wide of the target.

And Sunderland’s first opponents of next season are also hunting in the summer transfer market.

Doncaster Stuckmann (Marosi, 82), McCullough, Taylor-Sinclair, Butler, Jones, Evina (McKay, 86), Wellens (Carberry, 86), Coppinger (Mandeville, 83), Middleton (Lindley, 86), Keegan (Whitehouse, 67), Forrester (Pugh, 83). Subs not used: Pickford, Mannone.