David James has issued a public apology to striker Kenwyne Jones over the challenge that left the Sunderland striker with ligament damage.Sunderland are yet to disclose how long Jones will be on the sidelines, but it is widely expected he will miss a large part of the forthcoming Premier League campaign.

Jones sustained the injury in the opening moments of England's friendly international against Trinidad & Tobago when he collided with James.

The Portsmouth number one has been unable to get in touch with Jones, but is keen for the powerful striker to know that there was no malice intended.

James told the Sunderland Echo: "I hope Kenwyne has a speedy recovery - I believe he could be out until February.

"Certainly, I had no intention of hurting the player. It was purely accidental.

"I tried contacting him afterwards and sent a text but haven't managed to speak to him yet. It was a sour end to the season and upsetting all round."

If, as expected, Jones is out of action until 2009, it increases the need for Sunderland boss Roy Keane to bring a new striker to the Stadium of Light this summer.

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