Sunderland take on Everton

Sunderland boss Peter Reid granted Scottish international Kevin Kyle his wish when he threw him into the starting line-up for this afternoon’s Premiership clash with Everton at the Stadium of Light.

The 21-year-old was named alongside Kevin Phillips in attack as the Black Cats looked for their first win of the season, with midfielder Kevin Kilbane making way from the side which drew 0-0 at Blackburn last weekend.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Wright was handed a first home start, but new signing Matt Piper had to make do with a seat on the bench.

Everton too made just one change to the side which drew 2-2 with Tottenham last Saturday with 16-year-old frontman Wayne Rooney dropping to the bench in favour of Swedish international midfielder Niclas Alexandersson.