MART Poom is expected to make his eagerly-awaited comeback in 11 days time after being passed fit to play in Estonia's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers, writes Scott Wilson.
The Sunderland goalkeeper, who has been out of action since undergoing knee surgery in mid-October, was forced to watch on from the sidelines as the Black Cats clinched the Championship title earlier this month.
But, after shaking off the effects of two knee operations, Poom has been given the go-ahead to link up with his international colleagues later this week.
The 33-year-old is expected to feature in Estonia's game with minnows Liechtenstein on June 4 and his country's glamour clash with Portugal four days later.
He still faces a battle to win back his place in the Sunderland side, with teenager Ben Alnwick hoping to press his claims in the club's pre-season tour of North America.
Thomas Myhre also remains part of the picture, although the Black Cats are yet to offer the Norway international a new deal at the Stadium of Light.
l Former Newcastle United and Sunderland midfielder Lee Clark has been released by Fulham. The 32-year-old, a £3m signing from the Black Cats in the summer of 1999, has made 178 appearances for the Cottagers, scoring 22 goals.
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