Adam Johnson plays final 17 minutes for new Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat

Sunderland winger Adam Johnson has played for the first time since being arrested for alleged sexual activity with an underage girl.

New Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat sent Johnson on as a 73rd minute substitute at West Ham on Saturday after his club suspension had been lifted earlier in the week.

The 27-year-old's arrival into the action provoked a mixed response from supporters at Upton Park with West Ham fans booing him on to the field and jeering him every time he touched the ball.

But Sunderland fans sang "There's only one Adam Johnson" as he joined the action, before Diafra Sakho's late goal gave West Ham victory and left the Black Cats just a point above the relegation zone.

Advocaat was pleased that he could call on Johnson and was impressed with his performance.

"He came in on Wednesday and I spoke with him," Advocaat said in his post-match press conference.

"Life goes on.

"He did well, because he is a very good player. I was happy I could bring him in and so that is good to know for the game against Newcastle."

The 12-times capped England winger was arrested and released on bail by Durham Police on March 2 and is due to report back to a police station on April 23.

The Black Cats are now without a win in seven Premier League games and remain one point above relegation zone with just eight matches left.