Kevin Kyle and Michael Bridges are both hoping to be fit for Sunderland's promotion party against Stoke.

The strikers, who have only managed 11 first-team starts between them this season, are nursing knocks that threaten to rule them out of the rest of the campaign.

But, while neither will be available for Friday's night's testing trip to West Ham, the duo could yet have recovered in time to make a cameo appearance when the Black Cats sign off at the Stadium of Light in 11 days time.

Kyle, in particular, will be keen to consign this season to the history books despite Sunderland's promotion-winning success.

The Scotland international started the season on the bench after missing most of pre-season because of a hip problem, and was forced to undergo surgery when the injury re-appeared after just seven games.

He was originally due to return to action at Christmas, but further complications have restricted him to just four outings for the reserves.

One of those saw him slam five goals past a shell-shocked Aston Villa and, while Mick McCarthy has insisted he will not risk him if he there is any chance of another setback, the 23-year-old is desperate to make an appearance against Stoke.

"It would be nice to be involved again," said Kyle, who failed to find the target when Sunderland were last in the top-flight. "And it would be great to play in a home game.

"The boys have been playing well so it will be hard to get back in the team, but I would love to play.

"I would like to think the gaffer has a thought in his mind about playing me."

Bridges also faces a race against time to be fit for the Stoke game after injuring his groin in the dying seconds of Monday night's reserve-team win over Newcastle.

The one-time Magpies striker scored from the spot against his former employers, but was forced to hobble off with a strain that threatens to bring his season to a premature end.

"Hopefully it will just be a niggle because I would love to be involved (against Stoke)," said Bridges, who has scored two goals for the senior side since rejoining Sunderland in September.

"I'll find out in the next day or two whether it could be aggravated if I play on or whether it will settle down.

"It's so frustrating but, if the best thing is to rest it, I'm happy to accept that. I feel I've been improving every week recently, and what I really want to do is make sure that everything is perfect for pre-season."

Meanwhile, Sunderland yesterday revealed a season ticket price rise of between five and 20 per cent for next season.

Sunderland's cheapest adult season ticket will be priced at £360, while the most expensive seats in the West Stand, East Stand and Premier Concourse will cost £495. The price rise ends a five-year price freeze.

While Premiership football means four less home games than life in the Championship, Sunderland's prices remain amongst the lowest in the top-flight.

* Season tickets are currently on sale from the Stadium of Light ticket office. Fans can call 0191 551 5151 for details.

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