Sunderland 2 - 1 Bolton Wanderers

Sunderland v Bolton Wanderers: Preview

Updated: January 2, 2009, 3:46 PM UK

Sunderland striker Michael Chopra is facing a race against time to be fit for the FA Cup third round clash with Bolton.

The 25-year-old returned from his loan spell at Cardiff with an ankle problem, but was expected to train on Friday.

Anton Ferdinand and Andy Reid, who missed the 3-0 defeat at Everton through illness, should be available, while defender Danny Collins has recovered from a facial injury suffered at Goodison Park.

However, Craig Gordon (ankle) and George McCartney (foot) are still some way from returning despite resuming training.

Ricky Sbragia has vowed not to lose the personal touch with his players after being installed as Sunderland's new manager.

The 52-year-old Scot built up a good rapport with the squad during his days as a coach under predecessor Roy Keane, and they gave strong support to his candidacy as chairman Niall Quinn pondered the best way forward after the former Manchester United star's departure.

Sbragia admits his relationship with the men under his charge will have to change following his appointment on an 18-month contract.

But following talk of the distant relationship between Keane and the playing staff during his time at the helm, Sbragia is determined to maintain close contact with the dressing room.

As he prepared his side for the clash with Bolton, he said: "I think it changes slightly, there are no ifs or buts about it.

"But I try to go downstairs, I try to speak to the players. I don't want to be office-bound, I don't want to be up there forever.

"I like them to see me around and just see how they are. I might speak to them informally downstairs as well.

"I am not one of these ones who wants to drag everybody upstairs and do it that way. I just like to be around the place.

"I know I have to change, I know that - but if it's working, why change it?''

One man who has already benefited from Sbragia's open approach is Chopra following his return from a loan spell at Cardiff.

The 25-year-old, who scored five times in 11 appearances for the club which sold him to the Black Cats for £5million during the summer of 2007, admitted before heading back to Wearside that he would have been happy to remain in South Wales.

However, Sbragia sat down with the former Newcastle frontman on Wednesday and is satisfied that he is ready to resume his career at the Stadium of Light.

The manager said: "Chops is okay. I spoke to him about that and he says he wants to play for Sunderland, so that's that.

"He seems happy. I can understand his situation, I can understand the situation where he wants to play football.

"In general, all players want to play in your first XI, and Chopra is no different.

"He seemed okay when I spoke to him on Wednesday.''

Bolton will be without midfielder Gavin McCann as he is suspended.

Full-back Nicky Hunt could come into contention for a place in the side after being recalled from a loan spell at Birmingham.

Gary Cahill remains doubtful for this third round match after a rib and hip injury forced him to miss the defeat by Wigan.

Bolton manager Gary Megson has assured long-serving Hunt he still has a future at the club.

Hunt, 25, decided to drop into the Coca-Cola Championship for a couple of months after finding himself down the pecking order following the arrival of Gretar Steinsson from AZ Alkmaar last January.

However as the Icelandic international will miss the Barclays Premier League match against Arsenal a week on Saturday, Hunt has been handed a lifeline.

The former England Under-21 international, who made his debut for the club in 2001, signed a new four year-contract last year.

Megson said: "Nicky has never been out of the picture. He went to Birmingham purely and simply because he wanted to play some games.

"Reserve matches are not the same when you have been in the first team.

"The opportunity came for him to go down there but we had the option to recall him with 24 hours notice.

"We have done that because the squad has taken bit of hit through injuries and suspensions.''

While Megson's priority remains the league, he admits the third round of the FA Cup is a little bit special.

And he is looking for an action replay of the last time his side went to Sunderland when they recorded a thumping 4-1 victory.

Megson said: "The FA Cup is changing but the third round has a magic about it and always will have.

"It is a time when non-league teams get paired against clubs with a lot of tradition.

"We enjoyed our last visit to Sunderland. It was a good performance.''