New signing Patrick Roberts could be in line for his Sunderland debut against Bolton Wanderers next weekend.
The winger joined the Black Cats from Manchester City on Friday but was not included in the matchday squad for yesterday's win against Portsmouth, although he did take part in the warm-up.
Roberts spent the first half of the season on loan at French Ligue 1 club Troyes but has had very little first team football, and Johnson wanted to give him time to get fully up-to-speed rather than throw him in at the deep end as Sunderland chase promotion.
