Gillingham FC vs Sunderland AFC
The Priestfield Stadium
3pm, Saturday 11th September 2004
SUNDERLAND
Striker Kevin Kyle is a major doubt for Saturday’s match – the hip injury which has already plagued the early part of this season for the Scot flared up again after Sunderland’s disappointing defeat at the hands of Reading. He will face a late fitness test, but Mick McCarthy isn’t raising his hopes. “Kevin’s struggling with his hip. He’s not done any training and the situation is not perfect“, he said. “It’s bad enough to make him a doubt.” Stephen Elliott says he’s ready to fill in for Kyle should he not make the final cut, and new loan signing Simon Johnson could also be in contention for a place up front at some point. Carl Robinson missed Wales’s midweek World Cup qualifier with a foot injury but is available for selection, and Stephen Wright is also back, as is Steve Caldwell. Caldwell will have stiff competition in the form of another new signing, Neil Collins, for a place in the back four.
GILLINGHAM
Highly-rated right-back Nyron Nosworthy has already been ruled out of the match with a groin problem following surgery last season and a recurrance this season – he’s not expected to be fully fit for another two weeks. Midfielder Nicky Southall is also out of the match, also with a groin strain. Newcastle-born striker Tommy Johnson is another Gills player who won’t be available tomorrow as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
