STEPHEN ELLIOTT lamented the absence of his mate Kevin Kyle as Sunderland go through their worst run of form since August.

The Black Cats had a woeful festive period, winning only one of their four games.

A last-gasp Marcus Stewart strike against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground was the only time the Wearsiders managed to claim all three points,while a disappointing draw and two defeats made up their other three fixtures.

Kyle was due to return to first-team action just before Christmas, only to suffer a setback to his rehabilitation programme.

Black Cats' boss Mick McCarthy reluctantly admitted it is unlikely he will kick a ball again this season.

Elliott believes the Wearsiders could have used the big Scot's height and strength to provide a boost to help them overcome their rescue their poor festive programme form.

"Obviously we are still not too sure what the situation is with Kevin, but he's a massive player for us," admitted Elliott.

"We don't know exactly how long he will be out but if it is for the season then it's a big blow to lose him.

"He brings us something different up front with his height, power and his presence.

"We just hope he can get back as quickly as possible.

"But if we have to do without him, then we've got the players, we've got the strikers here, that can do a job for us.

"Kevin is a big loss, he's great at what he does, but we'll have to cope without him."

The Republic of Ireland international confessed that despite only linking up with Kyle on a couple of occasions earlier this season, he says he saw enough to see his quality shine through.

"I didn't play too much with him before he got injured - I came on as a substitute a few times to play alongside him - but from that short time I saw exactly the quality he brings to the side," said Elliott.

"We all thought he was on his way back and he was getting back, in training, but it seems to have been something that just gradually came on.

"He's really disappointed not to be back and we all feel for him.

"We're all disappointed that he's not been able to play a big part this season and he's had this setback.

"We all wish him well and hope to see him back as soon as possible."

Sean Thornton was possibly the only Sunderland player to emerge from the Christmas period with any credit.

The former Tranmere player appeared as a half-time substitute in the Wearsiders' defeat away at Preston on New Year's Day.

At 3-0 down the visitors looked dead and buried before Thornton's intervention - and a goal - led an inspired second-half fightback in the 3-2 loss.

The performance led to McCarthy handing the Drogheda-born midfielder his first start since September.

Elliott says he wasn't surprised at his talented team mate's performance but added he needs to be playing more regularly for Sunderland to receive the benefit.

He said: "Everyone knows what Sean can do but it's just matter of showing that in games. The manager picks the team but all the players know what Sean is capable of producing.

"Everybody knows he's a very talented footballer and what he can do when he's out on the pitch and it's just a matter of him producing the goods.

"He can pass the ball all day but he's got to be on the pitch to show that.

"He's been given the chance and he's done well since he's come back in the side."

Meanwhile, Gary Breen looks certain to miss Sunderland's FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Black Cats' skipper limped out of the 1-1 draw against Gillingham on Monday with a strained tendon in his lower leg.

Julio Arca (knee) and Liam Lawrence (Achilles), who both missed the game against the Gills, will join their captain on the sidelines.

Carl Robinson is expected to play against the Eagles, however, after recovering from a toe injury.

Tickets are still available for the tie at the Stadium of Light in all parts of the ground: Adults £15; juniors (under 16) £5; senior citizens £5; Black Cats Bar £25.

Black Cats Bar season ticket holders can purchase their seat for £15.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 0191-551-5151 or 08705-862-015 (24 hours) or in person from the Stadium of Light ticket office.

Cash turnstiles will be in operation for this game.

Concession tickets, however, can only be purchased from the ticket office.

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