Scottish keeper Craig Gordon admitted he faces an agonising wait to see if a persistent knee injury will rule him out of the rest of Sunderland's battle to stay in the Premier League.

The 26-year-old, who was ruled out for six months in October after damaging his ankle, was sent back to the treatment table just three games into his return two weeks ago this time with a troubled knee.

Gordon, who has made 36 international appearances for Scotland, has been sent to see specialists in order to discover the extent of the injury with the decision set to be announced today.

Sunderland lie just four points off the drop zone in 16th with three games to go but boss Ricky Sbragia could have to make do with second choice Marton Fulop for the remainder of the campaign.

"It is automatic to fear the worst and I may have to have an operation but I am trying to stay as positive as possible," said Gordon.

"It might be the knee cartilage but I have never had anything like this ever before and it is the worst season of my career for injuries.

"I have hardly missed a game in my career so to have two lengthy injuries back to back is disappointing."