Sunderland boss Peter Reid could hand Danny Dichio a surprise starting place for the visit of Leeds on Sunday.

Niall Quinn is likely to miss the game after flying out with the Rep.of Ireland for the crucial second leg World Cup play-off with Iran on Thursday. Considering the distance of the journey and the fact Quinn is likely to play his second game in five games, he is more or less considered defiantly out of the game.

With Lilian Laslandes shooting blanks at the moment, the only option seems to be Dichio. The former Sampdoria man has been on loan at WBA most of the season and did well. However, the two clubs couldn’t agree and he returned. Reid may decide to play Philips upfront alone, but Dichio maybe deserves another chance. It is understood is confidence is high after doing well at the Hawfornes, and he can’t wait to play again.