Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner believes that teammate Phil Bardsley "deserves" a second chance at the Stadium of Light.

The 28-year-old was sent into exile by former manager Paolo Di Canio in May after he was photographed paying a visit to a casino.

The defender's snub continued at the start of the season when he mocked the Black Cats' opening-day defeat to Fulham, but it appears that there could be a way back for the player.

"Bardo's a class player and, while it is the manager's decision, I think he deserves a second chance," the Shields Gazette quotes Gardner as saying.

"He's a good player, and it was only a couple of years ago that he was our player of the year. Hopefully Phil will get that chance again because there is no doubt about his ability."

The Black Cats will continue their campaign against Swansea City this weekend under new head coach Gus Poyet.