Source: Northern_Echo
Reid back in the frame for Bruce
SUNDERLAND's forgotten man Andy Reid is ready to make his first team comeback after being sidelined since February with a calf injury.[LNB] The Irishman has stepped up his rehabilitation, completing 45 minutes in the 2-0 Carling Cup win over Colchester United and almost 90 minutes in the reserve team defeat to rivals Newcastle on Tuesday night.[LNB] The midfielder endured a torrid time last season when he suffered a calf injury as he recovered from a hamstring problem in February and, despite Sunderland's medical team believing he would be fit for the start of pre season, suffered setbacks and is only now getting back to full fitness.[LNB] Boss Steve Bruce will be keen to welcome Reid back into the side, as the 27-year-old was one of Sunderland's best players before surgery ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.[LNB] According to Opta stats, Reid was the most prolific crosser in the Premier League until he got injured last season, firing in 249 crosses and his absence was notable towards the end of the season when Sunderland's hopes of a top-ten finish crumbled.[LNB] Now the Dublin-born midfielder is ready to give Bruce a boost and could be ready for a return to the first team when Wigan Athletic travel to the Stadium of Light a week on Saturday.[LNB] Bruce could be handed yet another boost during the international break, after club doctors revealed central defender Michael Turner was making good progress after limping off in Sunday's win over Man City.[LNB] The 26-year-old was substituted at half-time after sustaining ankle ligament damage from a crunching challenge from Joleon Lescott and Bruce feared he could be without the former Hull man for awhile.[LNB] However, Turner has been receiving treatment and club physician Dr Glen Rae revealed the player is progressing well.[LNB] Meanwhile, youngster Jordan Henderson is set to star for the England Under-21 side after being named in Stuart Pearce's squad for the Euro 2010 qualifiers and he can't wait to represent his country.[LNB] The Young Lions take on Portugal tonight and Lithuania next week and the 20-yearold is thrilled at the prospect of adding to his single cap to date.[LNB] I'm really looking forward to it, said Henderson. Going away to Portugal for a qualifier will be a great experience for me, then we have got Lithuania at home, which is a big game too.[LNB] Playing in a different team alongside different players helps me to learn. I'm going to go there, work hard and keep my head down.[LNB] I'm looking forward to the experience but I'm also looking forward to the Wigan game when I come back.[LNB]
