NEW Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has confirmed that Adam Johnson will be considered for selection for tomorrow’s game at West Ham.

Johnson returned to training on Wednesday after the Black Cats lifted the suspension that was imposed following his arrest for alleged sexual activity with a minor.

The England international, whose police bail has been extended to April 23, is understood to have been keeping himself fit while he was unable to attend the Academy of Light training ground, and Advocaat has confirmed he is in contention for a place in the squad that will travel to London later today.

Johnson took part in an 11-a-side training match yesterday, and while Advocaat refused to be drawn on the politics involved in his potential selection, he confirmed: “Everyone who is training is available for selection. I name the squad after the final training session.”

Advocaat presided over his first press conference since being installed as Gus Poyet’s short-term successor earlier this morning, and immediately admitted he had taken on a huge challenge with just nine games of the season remaining.

Sunderland are one point clear of the relegation zone, but have won just one of their last 12 league matches.

Advocaat said: “It’s a big challenge to take over in this position. I was a free man after what happened in Serbia.

“The opportunity came and I thought, in my opinion, it was a good side and a great club – so why not? Everything is a challenge in football, and you want to do as good a job as possible.

“In Holland, we can see all of the games on TV. I know the players. We have a great stadium and great fans – with their support we should be able to stay up. I have a good feeling about the squad from the last three days.”

Advocaat has initially taken over until the end of the season, and the 67-year-old refused to discuss his potential plans beyond the end of May.

He said: “We did not discuss that. For me it’s important to do this job. What happens after is not so important.”