Sex scandal Adam Johnson can play against Vs Stoke City if he wants to, says Advocaat

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson will make the final decision on whether he travels for Saturday's Premier League match against Stoke City after he was charged with three counts of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl.

The England international was not suspended by the club after the charges were made against him on Thursday, with the 27-year-old facing an additional count of grooming.

Manager Dick Advocaat says that the player will be able to make his own call on whether he will join the squad at the Britannia Stadium.

"The club made a statement about it and I stand behind that," Advocaat told the press. "Let's see what the future will bring.

"He still has to come in [to the training ground] but, in principle, if he feels okay, he will be a member of the squad."

Sunderland's statement read: "The club recognises that the formal legal process must take its course and, whilst our position remains unchanged, we will keep the matter under review.

"The club will not be making any further comment."

Johnson is due before Peterlee Magistrates' Court on May 20.