Quinn set for return to first team duty

SUNDERLAND'S record signing Niall Quinn is certain to be involved at some stage of today's Tyne and Wear Premiership derby with Newcastle at St James' Park.

The Republic of Ireland international has been out for nearly seven months with a second cruciate knee ligament injury. But he proved his fitness in a Pontins Central League match in midweek at Aston Villa and has been named in the squad.

Ireland's Paul McGrath is on course to make another return to Old Trafford today. The former Manchester United defender.a missed the Republic of Ireland's midweek defeat in Macedonia with an Achilles tendon strain but Derby hope he will play.

Manager Jim Smith said: "Paul has responded well to treatment and we think he's going to be okay." But Derby's Croatian defender Igor Stimac is out with a back spasm while his international team mate Aljosa Asanovic faces a late fitness test on a calf injury.

Aston Villa will be without captain Andy Townsend for today's Villa Park clash with Everton. The Republic of Ireland international midfielder serves a one match ban after being booked in the game at Blackburn.

Gianluca Vialli is gunning for, Arsenal and his new reputation as a Chelsea jinx in London's early morning derby. Every time Rudd Gullit turns to his former Juventus star Chelsea lose! He has played in seven of Chelsea's eight Premiership defeats, and his last win bonus was back on November 2nd when he scored in the win at Manchester United.

He gets his chance to move out from under the shadow cast by compatriot Gianfranco Zola and Mark Hughes because the Welsh man is suspended for this morning's 11.15 kick off.

Meanwhile, Arsene Wenger is poised to give French starlet Nicola Anelke his long awaited debut as the 17 year old from Paris, St Germain has finally overcome injury and will at least be on the bench.

The second London derby could be an explosive affair and Tottenham manager Gerry Francis has been busy trying to defuse potential hostilities with visitors Wimbledon.