Sunderland expect Gray return

Michael Gray has made little impression at Celtic

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy thinks Celtic will send Michael Gray back to Wearside over the festive period.

The former England left-back moved to Celtic Park on loan in September but has made just a handful of starts for Martin O'Neill's side.

McCarthy is keen to offload one of his biggest earners but it appears that his future does not lie in Glasgow.

"It looks very much like Michael is on his way back to us," McCarthy told the Scottish Daily Express newspaper.

"I don't know what the future holds for Michael but it certainly isn't at Celtic.

"They have made no moves or shown any inclination that they want to keep him so he will be coming back to Sunderland."

O'Neill said he had not yet made a decision regarding Gray's future.

"I haven't spoken to him at length about it," said O'Neill.

"I will sit down and talk to Michael. The deal was initially to the end of December but I would wait to discuss that with Michael before going any further."

Gray, who won 3 caps for England, has made just four starts for Celtic - with a further six appearances as a substitute.