Flo finally on target

Sunderland’s record signing Tore Andre Flo scored his first goal in almost seven months – and there was no-one there to see it.

The Norwegian, who last found the back of the net in a 2-1 Premiership defeat at Southampton on December 28 last year, struck 15 minutes into a behind-closed-doors friendly against Second Division Hartlepool at Sunderland’s academy yesterday.

However, in an indication of how far the £6.75million signing’s stock has fallen since his move from Rangers in August, Flo was going through his paces with the reserves while the first-team squad were preparing for their game at Huddersfield last night.

The striker scored on his debut in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United at the Stadium of Light on August 31, but managed just five more in a series of lacklustre displays as the Black Cats slipped out of the Premiership.

Sunderland have been trying desperately to off-load him, along with several of their highest earners, throughout the summer, although he has turned down to chance of a move to Turkey.

But the writing appears to be on the wall for Flo, who has been given the number 29 shirt for the new season with young Scot Kevin Kyle taking over at number nine.

The former Chelsea frontman was one of several senior players in the team, which also included Steven Wright, Joachim Bjorklund, Thomas Butler, Paul Thirlwell and Michael Ingham.

Flo’s strike was cancelled out shortly before half-time by Sunderland-born Pool trialist Paul Robinson, the former Newcastle striker.

Meanwhile, the Black Cats were today hoping for more positive news from Aston Villa after granting the midlanders permission to speak to midfielder Gavin McCann over a £2.25m (€3.1m) move.

The club admitted yesterday there has also been firm interest in both Kevin Phillips and Thomas Sorensen, while Claudio Reyna has been linked with Blackburn and Michael Gray with Fulham.