McNair out for the rest of the season

Sunderland and Northern Ireland midfielder Paddy McNair is expected to miss the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate ligament.

McNair, who has made nine league appearances for the Black Cats since signing from Manchester United in the summer, suffered the injury during the 3-0 win over fellow Premier League strugglers Hull City on Saturday.

Sky Sports report that the 21-year-old suffered the injury in the 42nd minute of the match at the Stadium of Light, when trying to tackle Curtis Davies, but played on until the 88th minute until forced off by another knock to the knee..

McNair will miss Northern Ireland's crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway in March and could also miss the province's game in Azerbaijan in June.

In other Sunderland news, David Moyes has likened the development of Gabon midfielder Didier Ndong to a 'rollercoaster'.

Ndong, who signed a five-year deal on summer transfer deadline day in a £13.6 million move from Lorient, has featured in every game after making his debut in the 3-0 home defeat to Everton on 12 September.

"Didier is just beginning to settle in a bit more," Moyes said.

"It is not easy to come in, especially in the position we are in. I think he is finding his feet. I thought he started very well then had a dip.

"He did a bit better at Bournemouth. At the moment we are not sure where the rollercoaster is with Didier but I do see signs of him getting better. I think his understanding is getting better.

"Not speaking English is a problem, we are looking to get that sorted and he has an English teacher in to help him as well. He is young, that is the thing."

Photo (@Getty Images/Mark Runnacles)

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