Sunderland striker Darren Bent has revealed a dressing-room visit by owner Ellis Short helped galvanise the Black Cats for the demolition of Bolton on Tuesday, with Bent producing a particularly scintillating display on his way to a hat-trick in the 4-0 victory.

Darren Bent chose the perfect moment to score his first hat-trick for Sunderland, with owner Ellis Short on Wearside to check on his investment.

Valon Behrami has insisted West Ham will have to sort their heads out if they are to stand any chance of avoiding relegation. The Hammers slipped closer to the danger zone on Saturday after a 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Bolton.

Steed Malbranque returns to the Sunderland squad for Tuesday night's Premier League clash with Bolton after being punished for a breach of club discipline.

Bolton secured a vital 2-1 away victory against relegation rivals West Ham with two goals inside the opening 16 minutes from Kevin Davies and Jack Wilshere.

Bolton midfielder Stuart Holden faces at least the next six weeks on the sidelines after fracturing his right fibula.