JACK RODWELL has put himself in to contention to play at Arsenal tomorrow night after it was confirmed Liam Bridcutt will miss out for Sunderland.

Bridcutt picked up an injury in Saturday’s goalless draw with Leicester City and Rodwell’s timely return to fitness means he should be a direct replacement at the Emirates Stadium.

Sunderland know a point against Arsenal will secure Premier League football for a further year on Wearside and Dick Advocaat needs every bit of help he can.

The Dutch head coach said: “The quicker we get that point the better, but I have thought that right from the beginning. 11 points from seven games is great, but unfortunately we still don't know if we are safe.

“Everything is still in our own hands and hopefully we can do something ourselves. Otherwise we have to wait for the weekend.

“The quality of the players and the quality of the staff has made me confident from the start. As a coaching team, we know what we want.

“This isn't our first club and we know how we can get the best out of the players and we are very straight with them because that is the best way.”

Sunderland know a point from either Arsenal tomorrow or at Chelsea will be enough to keep them up.

Advocaat wants the Black Cats not to rule out springing a surprise on either of the Champions League qualifiers, so that he does not have to rely on Manchester United avoiding defeat at Hull on Sunday.

“When I came we knew we had nine games left, five away including these two,” he said. “We have never run away from that. I think every player enjoys playing at Chelsea and Arsenal.

“We have nothing to lose because everyone expects us to lose - but we don't. I know that we will give both of them a really difficult time and try to get what we need.”