Adam Johnson left out of Sunderland squad after guilty plea

Adam Johnson has been left out of the Sunderland squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester United after pleading guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 and a further count of grooming.

At Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday, Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a child and a further count of grooming, despite initially denying all three charges against him.

The 28-year-old is still unwilling to accept two more charges of sexual activity with a child under 16, but it is understood that his admission of guilt on Wednesday 'shocked' Sunderland, who have stood by the Englishman thus far.

Johnson, who could face prison time, was expected to be left out of the Black Cats squad for this weekend's game against Man United and that has now been confirmed by Sunderland head coach Sam Allardyce.