Healy is in line to earn a rare start for the Black Cats this weekend after it was revealed that star striker Darren Bent could be missing for up to three weeks with a suspected hamstring injury.

Bent - who has nine goals this season - has been rated a major doubt for Saturday's trip to the DW Stadium to face Wigan.

And with Sunderland also missing Kenwyne Jones - who completes a three-match ban - Healy could be thrust into attack.

Former Manchester United striker Fraizer Campbell and Irishman Daryl Murphy are also in contention, but Bruce won't make any decisions until he discovers the extent of Bent's injury.

"It's something we will have to look at, but remember Darren isn't ruled out at this stage," Bruce said.

"But we do have options and Fraizer Campbell is certainly a player who deserves a chance up front.

"Darren has gone away for a scan and we're not expecting the results back until Thursday or Friday, but there is a real worry that it is a hamstring strain.

"If that turns out to be the case, then we are looking at losing him for a minimum of three weeks. We will not know anything until the results comes back so we will have to keep our fingers crossed."

Healy will be desperate to gain some valuable game time for Sunderland.

The 30-year-old striker has played less than 60 minutes for the Barclays Premier League giants this season, contributing to Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington decision to drop the talisman to the bench for the recent international friendly with Serbia.