DICK ADVOCAAT was last night waiting to hear what action is going to be taken from Sunderland after their £10m winger Adam Johnson was charged with sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

Durham Police confirmed yesterday afternoon that Johnson is accused of three offences of sexual activity with a girl, aged 15 at the time of the alleged activity, and one offence of grooming.

And it is understood the Premier League club which employs him on a lucrative salary - reportedly worth around £3m-a-year – spent the rest of the day considering its position on the matter.

Johnson is not due to appear before magistrates in Peterlee, Co Durham, until May 20, which is the same day as the Black Cats are due to face Arsenal in the penultimate game of the season.

By that time Sunderland will have played a further four matches as they look to climb away from relegation trouble and Advocaat had hoped to be able to call on the England international.

Advocaat has used the 27-year-old as a substitute in each of his three matches in charge against West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace since taking over from Gus Poyet.

The Dutch head coach had been allowed to field the Easington-born winger after Sunderland had lifted the suspension – after he had his bail extended until yesterday - they had placed on him initially following his arrest on suspicion of sexual activity on March 2.

Sunderland fans had given him a good reception after he emerged as a 73rd minute substitute at West Ham on March 21 and then again during the 1-0 win over Newcastle in the following match.

And Sunderland are likely to indicate what decision they have made this morning before Advocaat carries out his pre-match media duties at the Academy of Light this lunch-time.

Advocaat knows his side are just a point above the relegation zone going in to the final six matches starting with tomorrow’s trip to Stoke City. He needs to conjure up some good form from a Sunderland squad rocked by the latest development in Johnson’s life.