Watford have been given permission to play Nyron Nosworthy in their FA Cup tie against Bradford City tomorrow.

The Sunderland centre-half’s current loan is due to expire on Sunday and it was thought unlikely that Martin O’Neill would allow the player to become cup-tied, assuming he is selected.

However, Nosworthy, who has been a key figure in the Hornets’ upturn in fortunes since his arrival at the end of October, can now make one final appearance before he is due to return to the Stadium of Light.

Watford boss Sean Dyche told the club’s official website: “It’s very welcome news and we’re grateful to Martin O’Neill.

“Nyron has been training with us all week in the hope this might have turned out to be the case.”

O’Neill’s willingness to let the player become cup-tied suggests his future may not lie with the Black Cats and may increase Watford’s chances of keeping him in the longer term.

For this to happen though, the Hornets would either have to sign Nosworthy on a permanent basis or it is probable a new loan would have to be agreed under different terms, given that he moved on an ‘emergency loan’.

Asked about Nosworthy’s possible future beyond Sunday – and speaking before Sunderland had granted permission for him to play tomorrow – Dyche said: “It’s not about holding back information, we haven’t got any information at the moment. It’s just letting it naturally develop and seeing which corner it turns for us.”