Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that goalkeeper Simon Mignolet broke his nose during today's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

The 23-year-old Belgian sustained the injury following a clash with Villa striker Emile Heskey and was forced to leave the field of play.

"He's got a horrible horrible broken nose, he's in hospital now and will have an operation tomorrow but we're hoping it's not gone into his cheekbone and teeth," Bruce told reporters after the match.

Keiren Westwood replaced Mignolet in the Black Cats' goal and in doing so made his Premier League debut for the club.