LAMINE KONE returns to Sunderland's starting line-up for this afternoon's Championship game at Leeds United.

Kone missed Monday's home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday with a groin injury, but has recovered sufficiently to start at Elland Road.

He replaces Bryan Oviedo, who is unavailable because of injury, and is set to play alongside John O'Shea at the heart of the Black Cats' back four.

That would mean Marc Wilson lining up at left-back, with Donald Love starting on the right of the back four.

Leeds boss Paul Heckingbottom hands a senior debut to 20-year-old centre-half Paudie O'Connor.

LEEDS (4-3-3): Peacock-Farrell, Berardi, Jansson, O'Connor, Dallas, Phillips, Vieira, Alioski, Hernandez, Saiz, Lasogga.

Subs: Lonergan (gk), Anita, Pearce, Nicell, Roofe, Ekuban, Grot.

SUNDERLAND (4-3-3): Camp; Love, Kone, O'Shea, Wilson; Cattermole, McNair, Honeyman; Gooch, Fletcher, McGeady.

Subs: Steele (gk), Clarke-Salter, Matthews, Ejaria, LuaLua, McManaman, Asoro.