The Roker Roundup: February 14th 2012 - Arsenal Replay Info & New Deal For McClean

Love is in the air etc etc... That's my obligatory Valentines reference out the way, now lets get down to some top draw Sunderland AFC news, since this is your evening roundup and not some lame card you felt obliged to buy.

So it's February 14th 2012, and aside from the ridiculousness of it being a "Hallmark Holiday" other reasons today is noted in history include the fact that, in 1919 the Polish-Soviet War began. In 1929 Al Capone ordered the murder of six of his rivals in a Chicago restaurant, and in 1948 Len Shackleton made his Sunderland debut against Derby County.

A nicer note to end on I'm sure you'll agree. But that's all in the past, here's what's been happening today...

According to The Daily Star, James McClean is heading for a new deal at the club. McClean's been excellent, and you'd imagine the attentions of other clubs have been piqued so it's good news all round. Details of the deal in his short story - CLICK HERE

Ryan Noble is back with us. Having had a chat with Nigel Clough, and weighing up the odds of coming back to Sunderland or not, the young striker decided he'd be better off at SAFC. Hell on, etc - CLICK HERE

One player who is staying on loan is Louis Laing, who'll spend another month at Wycombe Wanderers, where he's been a first team regular since moving down there - CLICK HERE

In what's becoming a bit of a youngsters themed day, second year apprentice and current Darlington loanee, Jordan Pickford has been named in the England U18 squad for the game against Poland on March 7th, played at Crewe Alexandra's Gresty Road - CLICK HERE

Important information about a potential replay with Arsenal. If we do draw, we're going to have to play the game just three days later at the Emirates due to a combination of Arsenal's Champions League exploits and international games. Prices are £35 if you're a grown up, and the ticket office will be open on Sunday and late on Monday. Further information is available here - CLICK HERE

A young SAFC reserve side drew 3-3 with Liverpool at the Academy Of Light today having lead 3-1 at half time. Bitter disappointment, but a learning curve nonetheless for the side comprised mainly of second year scholars. Read a match report here - CLICK HERE

And lastly, he's still technically ours, so look at the return Asamoah Gyan got after ballsing up Ghana's Africa Cup Of Nations. Just imagine if he'd had a decent tournament! I guess it all means that he's more likely to stay though if he recieves this sort of adulation - CLICK HERE