Sunderland manager Roy Keane has told David Healy to be patient as he bids to resurrect his Premier League career but Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer could be handed much needed game time in the Carling Cup tonight.

Healy wasn’t included in the Black Cats squad for the league tussle with Middlesbrough at the weekend but he opened his Sunderland account on his debut in the 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest in the previous round of the Carling Cup and now he plans to impress Keane again.

The Sunderland boss is hoping his side can overcome Northampton Town at the Stadium of Light but one Northern Ireland player will not feature as George McCartney is cup-tied after playing in West Ham’s 4-1 win over Macclesfield.

Keane said: “For a club like Sunderland the importance of substitutes is enormous. We'll get nowhere with just 11 players — we need a squad.”

Elsewhere in the Carling Cup tonight, Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans may feature against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford after an impressive league debut for Manchester United against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Coca-Cola League One side Crewe, including Michael O’Connor, will hope to stun Liverpool at Anfield. while Keith Gillespie, an unused substitute for Sheffield United on Saturday, could be involved in their trip to Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal.