Jones to Return for Sunderland in October

The Sunderland forward Kenwyne Jones is expected to return to training in October. The striker, who damaged his knee while playing for Trinidad and Tobago against England in June, had originally been expected to be out of action until Christmas. But an operation on Tuesday revealed that the injury was not as serious as first feared.

"He had his operation yesterday," the manager Roy Keane said today. "Fortunately, we've avoided major surgery and expect him back in training in the next six to eight weeks. You never know the full story until you go into the knee, that's why we've been open in terms of the prognosis. But it's great news for everyone at the club - Kenwyne is a big player for us."

Despite scoring only seven goals in last season's Premier League campaign, Jones is considered to have played a major part in helping Sunderland avoid relegation in their first season back in the top flight.