BARROW-born defender Tom Beadling is in line for his Sunderland first-team debut in the FA Cup this afternoon.

The teenager is set to face Arsenal as Black Cats manager Sam Allardyce gives some of his fringe players a run-out at the Emirates.

Beadling has been on the fringes of the first team for the past few weeks after recovering from a broken ankle picked up in pre-season.

With Sunderland having suffered injuries in central defence during the Premier League campaign, Beadling has been on the bench already and is now set to make the next step up.

He is being backed to succeed by John O’Shea, the Republic of Ireland international who is one of the sidelined players at the Stadium of Light.

“Tom’s shown a fantastic attitude,” O’Shea told the Chronicle.

“He’s played a couple of games in pre-season for us so we know he’s got the temperament to cope should he be called upon.

“I’m sure if needs be the manager will give him a chance because he’s shown in training what he’s capable of.

“I’m sure the manager will be thinking of bringing in more experience, but Tom’s one for the future and the present.”