DICK ADVOCAAT has confirmed that Adam Johnson could figure for Sunderland at Stoke City – if the winger indicates he is in the right state of mind to play.

Johnson was due at the Academy of Light training ground this afternoon ahead of the Black Cats making the trip to Staffordshire for Saturday’s Premier League fixture at the Britannia Stadium.

The Wearside club have decided that he will remain available for selection after the £10m man was yesterday charged with three counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16.

Advocaat, speaking at his lunch-time pre-match press conference, said:  “Adam Johnson is available. He still has to come in (Friday), but in principle if he feels OK he will be a member of the squad.

“The club made a statement and I stand behind that. Let’s see what the future will bring.”

Advocaat is trying to focus on lifting Sunderland away from relegation trouble and while he could call on Johnson he does have a major injury concern.

Scotland striker Steven Fletcher has joined Wes Brown, Ricky Alvarez and Emanuele Giaccherini in the treatment room after going over on his ankle in training.

Danny Graham is now in contention with Jermain Defoe and Connor Wickham to lead the line at Stoke, where Sunderland need to win to be certain of avoiding occupying a bottom three place after this weekend.

“Six or seven points must be possible otherwise we don’t deserve it,” said Advocaat. “It’s a big challenge because you come in to a squad that is not your squad. But we knew that.

“We knew what players we had and we were positive in the way the team has worked. If the players feel the same way as we feel then we will have a good feeling about the end. If you can do it against Newcastle then you can do it against anybody.”