JERMAIN DEFOE is winning his battle to be fit for Sunderland’s home game with Stoke City at the weekend, with Sam Allardyce expecting to the striker to take part in a full training session later today.

Defoe damaged his ankle in the latter stages of Monday’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, and it was initially feared he might have sustained damage to his ligaments.

That would almost certainly have resulted in a lengthy lay off, but subsequent tests suggest the problem is nowhere near as bad as first feared.

Defoe was in obvious pain as he left the field at Selhurst Park, but he was walking around the Academy of Light without any issues on Tuesday and is set to join up with the rest of his Black Cats team-mates for a full training session later this morning.

Provided he comes through that okay, he will be given the green light to retain his place in the squad for Saturday’s game with Stoke.

“I think Jermain is alright,” said Allardyce. “It looked serious on the night, but he was walking around yesterday (Tuesday) without a strapping on. So there is every chance he will be fit for selection against Stoke.”

Defoe’s availability means Allardyce can stick with the new-look formation that proved so effective in Monday night’s win, although the Sunderland boss could opt to return to a flat back four with his team playing at home.

Fabio Borini is expected to be available after missing the trip to Palace because of his own ankle injury, but having watched Defoe prove so effective at Selhurst Park, Allardyce will be reluctant to make too many changes to an attacking line-up that was causing Palace problems long before Scott Dann’s error enabled the visitors to break the deadlock.

While October’s 3-0 win over Newcastle United was a notable triumph, Monday’s display was the first time that Allardyce’s trademark organisation and tactical discipline had been key factors in Sunderland claiming a Premier League win.

With Younes Kaboul performing impressively at centre-half, Patrick van Aanholt and Billy Jones combining industry with invention in the wing-back berths, and the central-midfield trio of Lee Cattermole, Yann M’Vila and Seb Larsson providing solid defensive support, Sunderland produced easily their most resilient display of the season.

The challenge, on Saturday, will be to add some increased invention to the mix, particularly as their opponents, Stoke, are unlikely to be too gung-ho themselves under Mark Hughes.

Allardyce was understandably delighted to see his side get back to winning ways at Palace, but accepts there will have to be further improvements if Sunderland are going to scramble to safety before the end of the campaign.

“If we are to go about our job correctly and get out of trouble, we have to get better than we were at Palace, particularly in possession,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get better and better, and gain more confidence.”

Saturday’s game will feature a pre-match minute’s applause to pay tribute to former goalkeeper Marton Fulop, who died at the age of 32 earlier this month following a battle with cancer.

Fulop, who spent four years with Sunderland, also spent time on loan at Stoke City, and players, supporters and officials from both clubs will come to together to commemorate his life prior to kick-off.

“Marton was much loved by everyone at Sunderland and indeed at every club he played for,” said Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne. “To be playing Stoke in our first home game since his terribly sad passing gives us the opportunity for both the clubs to pay tribute to him, and we hope that his family will gain some comfort from the show of support.”

Meanwhile, Liam Bridcutt was last night completing a loan move to Leeds United, having earlier turned down the offer of a similar switch to Cardiff City.