Injured Sunderland striker could play again

SUNDERLAND striker Kevin Kyle could yet play this season after being told by an American specialist that he should be back training in January.

The 24-year-old underwent surgery at the clinic of knee expert Richard Steadman after consulting one of his colleagues on the hip cartilage problem which has sidelined him for more than a year.

Manager Mick McCarthy spoke to the Scotland international at the weekend, and was given hugely encouraging news.

“It is brilliant news on Kevin Kyle,” he said. “I spoke to him on Saturday and he was really upbeat and positive about it and still is. Dave Binningsley, one of the physios, was out there and was very impressed with everything that went on.

“They are positive that he can come back by January. They seem to think he will be back training. It is great news for us and even better news for Kevin.”

Kyle’s confidence that the injury, which he feared at one stage could end his career, can be beaten has been increased by meeting an American footballer who has overcome the same problem.