Sunderland could be without captain Brianna Westrup as they bid to bounce back from their heavy defeat to Birmingham City against Southampton last weekend.
Westrup was forced off with an injury during the second half of the 5-0 defeat at St Andrews on opening day, and has not yet returned to training this week though the problem is not thought to be a serious one.
“It was an impact injury on her calf, a bit like a dead leg. She’s not been on the grass yet so I’ll just leave that call until Saturday to see how she’s doing.”
Sunderland had come into the campaign full of confidence following their third-place finish last season but it proved to be a chastening opening fixture as the hosts ran out emphatic winners. The Black Cats are looking forward to be being back on home turf at Eppleton this weekend (2pm KO, Sunday) and Reay says there have been a lot of honest conversations behind the scenes this week. Reay is hopeful that the evidence of last season and the pre-season programme means it is a one off but warned that it’s a strong lesson to take through the rest of the campaign.
“It was a really disappointing performance and one that I said at the time I didn’t see coming,” Reay said.
