Kenwyne boost for derby day
KENWYNE Jones is on course to add huge spice to this month's Wear-Tyne derby by being passed fully fit.
The powerfully-built targetman has been making rapid progress towards fitness over the last few weeks.
And although fellow injured - Nyron Nosworthy and Teemu Tainio - are expected to be available for Sunderland's trip to Fulham next weekend, the big striker is eyeing the derby match as the moment to make his return.
Roy Keane admits he can't wait to have all three to call on - especially Jones, who has not played for Sunderland since playing in the final game of last season against Arsenal and breaking his wrist.
The wrist injury has long since healed of course, it was the knee ligament damage sustained in a friendly between Trinidad & Tobago and England in June which has sidelined him for so long.
Jones is currently back in the Caribbean on compassionate leave and is also due to link up with the T&T squad, although he is ruled out of all of his country's forthcoming games.
Sunderland though have also sent out medical staff of their own this time, to ensure Jones' rehabilitation continues according to the script and no harm comes to him while he is abroad.
The manager said: "Kenwyne's doing some training with one or two of their (T&T) medical staff.
"He's not under our roof so we can't keep an eye on him and that's why I wanted someone from our own staff to go with him."
When Jones returns, he will find a club manager determined to pick up Sunderland points tally in the next few months.
Last season Sunderland would have been happy picking up just over a point a game as they looked for a rough survival target of 40 points.
This season they are going along at precisely that rate - eight points from seven games so far- but Keane is looking to move beyond that.
He said: "With the games coming up, Kenwyne coming back and the new lads having time to settle now, we will be looking to move on in the next few games and keep ahead of the points in terms of games.
"We hope he will be able to join in with the rest of the lads fully from Monday.
"The Fulham game will probably come too early for him but if not that game then the next one.
"We're looking for Nyron to be available for Fulham because he's coming on really well.
"Teemu has reported for international duty with Finland but he's obviously not fit.
"They wanted their own medical people to look at it and I spoke to their administrator and we have had a good chat. Teemu may be available for Fulham."
* Dwight Yorke captained Trinidad & Tobago to a 9-0 friendly win over the Dominican Republic as they warmed up for tomorrow night's crucial World Cup qualifier in Guatemala.
The Sunderland veteran played the first half before being substituted.
Sunderland winger Carlos Edwards, out on loan at Wolves, was heavily involved in two goals.
A ferocious 40-yard Edwards strike was only parried for Anthony Wolfe to net, and Darryl Roberts converted an inch-perfect pass from the winger for the ninth goal.
Hat-tricks from Cornell Glen and Jason Scotland stole the show, with an own goal making it nine.
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 10 February 2012
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