Boost for Cats as Adingra left out of Ivory Coast squad

WINGER STAYS PUT AND MISSES AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

- By CLIVE YOULTON

SIMON Adingra’s loss is Sunderland’s gain after the Black Cats winger was unexpectedly left out of the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

It is a bitter blow for Adingra on a personal note, but excellent news for Sunderland because the ex-Brighton man was expected to be one of seven departures from their squad heading out to the competition.

That number is therefore reduced to a potential six - it is unclear whether Habib Diarra will go with Senegal - and his lack of game time on Wearside appears to have cost him his place. He was also not included in the squad in the last international break.

Not only is the 24-year-old not called up for the squad, he’s not listed as one of the two reserves either.