Kevin Kilbane assisted Sunderland in completing the first part of the Tyne and Wear Derby task, as both Sunderland and Newcastle United reserves met on Monday, with the Black Cats taking the points by a single goal.
Kilbane is desperate to be involved in this coming Saturdays Northeast Premiership derby, and by last nights performance is likely that he will at least make the bench. Peter Reid will not rush Kilbane's return to first team football, as the Preston born Irish international has been on the receiving end of much criticism from a section of the Blackcat fans The situation worsened when Kilbane gave travelling supporters the V sign during a pre-season game in Belgium.
He has not played first team football since Sunderland's draw at Blackburn on the opening day of the season, however last night he played up front with Scotland international Kevin Kyle. The Irish midfield player has featured twice for Sunderland reserves so far this season, and scored in the first in a 3-0 win over Man.City.
Speaking of the coming Northeast Derby the Irish International said: "Of course I would love to play in Saturday's game and maybe my experience could help. It's a massive game, we all know that, and the fact that I have played in it before, coupled with my experience of big games for my country, could be a benefit. I don't know what the manager has in mind and at the minute - I'm just trying to work hard and force my way back in
Sean Thornton featured as a substitute for Sunderland, as did Irish youth International Mark Rossiter. Stephen Brennan played the full reserve fixture for the Magpies. The senior Derby has move from Sunday 22 Saturday 21st Sept. to accommodate Sky.
Back to Current News page Republic of Ireland Archive news Home
