Moyes hints youngsters will be given chance in remaining games; but one is out in painful fashion

David Moyes says he intends bringing some of Sunderland's young players into the squad between now and the end of the season, but one who made an impression last week won't feature tomorrow after picking up an injury in excruciating fashion.

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Speaking at his press conference this afternoon, the Black Cats' boss hinted he will consider freshening up the Sunderland starting eleven and give some of those who have been restricted to Under-23 or first team substitute appearances a run-out in this season's three remaining games.

But George Honeyman won't be in the squad after coming off worst in an encounter with Lamine Kone:

George Honeyman has got a back injury. He picked it up in training when Lamine Kone fell on top of him.

I'm trying to introduce some younger players. George's performance merited another start so I'm disappointed he won't be available.

With Sunderland relegated but retaining an impact on the fate of their final three opponents and their rivals, Moyes will be mindful of respecting those sides with battles still to conclude by fielding 'strong' sides against Swansea, Arsenal and Chelsea.

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And that starts tomorrow with the Swans the visitors in the second of Sunderland's dead-rubber games against former relegation rivals who are still fighting each other to beat the drop.

Hull City - beaten last week by the Black Cats - will be keeping an eye on proceedings at the Stadium of Light and will be desperate to see Sunderland put up as good a showing as they did last time out against the Tigers to keep Humberside hopes of salvation alive.

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And Sunderland will complete the season with a trip to Arsenal and Chelsea. The Gunners still need to keep their noses ahead of Manchester United to seal a place in the top-six and Chelsea may still have the title to wrap up - depending on results this weekend.

Regardless, David Moyes must look after Sunderland's interests first. And the Black Cats' boss has already spoken of the need to overhaul Sunderland's first team squad this summer.

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With a double-figure number of senior professionals set to depart the Stadium of Light at the end of the season, it makes logical sense to 'blood' a few fringe players who will become increasingly important in the Championship.

And that needs to start tomorrow with loan players dropped and a long look at the players on the verge of an exit before naming the starting eleven.

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As for George Honeyman, one more appearance would have triggered an automatic contract extension for the 22-year-old midfielder, so his absence tomorrow carries with it a double blow. And that's not to mention the pain from having a hulk like Lamine Kone land on top of you.