Toothless Black Cats may turn to David Healy

Nov 25 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

STEVE Bruce’s faith in David Healy will be tested this weekend as the Sunderland boss faces the prospect of taking on Wigan without either of his first-choice strikers.

Darren Bent will learn later this week whether he faces a maximum of three weeks on the sidelines with Bruce admitting his nine-goal forward is a “doubt” for the trip to the JJB Stadium.

With Kenwyne Jones serving the final game of a three-match suspension, it leaves Sunderland short of options up front.

Fraizer Campbell is almost certainly first in line, but the Sunderland boss has suggested Healy – who has never started a Premier League game for the Black Cats – will receive his long-awaited chance in a red and white shirt if Bent is ruled out.

Bruce is adamant the Northern Ireland striker, who he has hailed as the “ultimate pro”, remains a part of his first-team plans despite his understandable dip in form.

Healy has not scored since February and recently lost his international place, prompting fresh speculation that he would demand a move to revive his stuttering career.

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington said the striker must play more football to wrestle his place back from Warren Feeney, providing further evidence of how far Healy’s stock has fallen over the last two seasons.

Since July 2007, the 30-year-old has started just 15 Premier League games while at Fulham, and has made only 11 substitute appearances since moving to Sunderland.

Bruce said: “If Darren Bent goes down, David will get his chance.

“He is the ultimate pro, I have

huge respect for him and he has a part to play for me here.

“Maybe he would benefit from playing alongside Kenwyne Jones. David is part of my squad, but he has Darren to contend with.

“I can understand Nigel Worthington. Every international manager would like to see their players play regularly at club level, and David would admit that himself.

“I can only do what is best for the club and David is finding it hard to get through at the moment. It will be difficult for him but you do need a squad of players.”

Bruce will hope Bent’s injury was nothing more than a strain of a bout of cramp, but if the worst happens he also has Campbell, who has looked bright coming off the bench in recent weeks.

Bruce added: “It is something we will have to look at, but remember Darren is not ruled out at this stage.

“We do have options and Fraizer Campbell is a player who deserves a chance up front.”

Meanwhile, Bruce revealed he has spoken to Andy Reid about the best way to end his international exile. The Sunderland boss believes his reinvigorated midfielder could have offered the inspiration to see off France in last week’s hotly-contested World Cup play-off.

And he hopes a compromise with Giovanni Trapattoni could be reached in time for the Euro 2012 qualification campaign.

Reid has not played for his country since a 2-0 defeat of Georgia in September 2008, followed by a bust-up with Trapattoni over a team curfew.

Bruce said: “He trained all last week and has been fine. I have had a conversation with Andy and that has to remain confidential. I hope after the World Cup campaign there can be some sort of compromise.

“It is a shame because his bit of quality against France might have made the difference.

“It is a shame that he is not representing his country.

“I know in his condition he is arguably playing at the height of his profession, he has arguably been our best player this season.

“If Andy wanted me to then I would have the conversation, of course I would

“But I will keep what we have talked about to myself.”