Northern Ireland under-21 international stopper Trevor Carson could be thrust into his Premier League debut for Sunderland today.

The Black Cats are suffering from a goalkeeping crisis with Craig Gordon and Marton Fulop both struggling to overcome injuries in time for the clash with Hull City at the Stadium of Light.

Now boss Steve Bruce is looking to rookie Carson to fill in between the posts and admits he has the utmost faith in the 21-year-old from Killyleagh handling the intensity of a full top flight debut.

“I’ve no problems if I have to play Carson,” said Bruce. “He is a very decent goalkeeper and that’s why I didn’t go out and get another one when the chance was there.

“We’ve got two goalkeepers trying to make the number one jersey their own and it’s sod’s law that both got a problem at the same time. But I am very happy with Carson and, if I have to use him he’ll come in and do okay.”

Carson’s preparations for what could be the biggest day of his fledgling career could have been better as he was in goal for Northern Ireland’s under-21s on Tuesday night when they suffered a 6-2 defeat to Iceland at the Coleraine Showgrounds.

Meanwhile, Carson’s Sunderland team-mate, and fellow Killyleagh man, David Healy has attracted the attention of Championship side Watford.

The Hornets have been alerted by Healy’s admission that he would consider a loan move away from Wearside and are prepared to fight other clubs, including Coventry City, for Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer.

Healy has failed to nail down a place at Sunderland since moving from Fulham in a £1.2 million deal last year.