SUNDERAND have confirmed that the first-team back room staff will lead the team this afternoon against Norwich City in the absence of Alex Neil.

Assistant head coach Martin Canning will take first-team duties alongside Michael Proctor and Mike Dodds with the assistance of goalkeeping coach Alessandro Barcherini.

Neil is on his way out of the Stadium of Light and is on the verge of taking the vacant Stoke City manager’s job after agreeing terms with the Potters. He said his goodbyes to staff at the Academy of Light yesterday before heading to Staffordshire to finalise the deal.

After six months in charge and overseeing the club’s promotion from League One, Neil’s 12 month rolling contract will come to an end on Wearside as he succeeds Michael O’Neill in the job.

The Black Cats are looking to extend their unbeaten start at home in the league when they host the Canaries in a lunchtime kick-off.