KEVIN KYLE pays a visit to a hip specialist on Thursday hoping to get the all-clear so he can strike up a little and large partnership with his pal Stephen Elliott.

"Ever since Stephen come to the club I have got on with him," said the Scottish international. "Some of the boys have given me a bit of stick because I'm big Kyler and he's mini-Kyler.

"We do knock around together and we're good friends. But I would love to get back in the team not just to play with Stephen but with any of the lads; whether it is Michael Bridges or Chris Brown."

Kyle has missed all but seven of Sunderland's Coca Cola Championship games after having a hip operation in September.

The 23-year-old striker was expected to make a return to the first team squad for the festive period but suffered a setback in his rehabilitation programme.

Kyle admitted he is still in pain after the operation and is hoping his visit to the specialist will give him the all clear.

Sunderland fans don't need reminding their most successful striking partnership in recent years was another big 'un and little 'un in the shape of Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn.

The big Scot played down the obvious comparisons with the pair but says he does believe the partnership could work.

"I'm not going to say we're like Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn, but I'm sure if we played together I could help him and I'm sure he could help me," said Kyle.

"It would be really appealing if I could play up front with Stephen and form some sort of partnership.

"He has been exceptional since he arrived. A lot of people didn't know what to expect when he came from Manchester City reserves.

"Obviously the gaffer is not going to bring in anybody not capable of doing things.

"Stephen has scored nine or ten goals and he's been outstanding. He has quickly become one of the fans' favourites, and he can only go on further."

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy opted to leave Elliott out of starting XI in Saturday's home win against Burnley in favour of fans' favourite Michael Bridges in a bid to freshen things up and rest tired legs.

Kyle sympathised with his pal's lean spell and admitted he went through a similar period when he broke into the side last season.

"It is understandable. I remember when I played week-in, week-out last season, and it does take its toll," said Kyle. "Especially when you have a game on a Saturday then have another on a Tuesday. Maybe it's taken its toll on Stephen in the last few weeks.

"He's still doing well. He may not be scoring as frequently. The manager gave him a rest, but I'm sure he didn't want it because he is one of the main men.

"He'll come through that and start scoring again and then he'll forget about the tiredness."

Bridges, no stranger to injury, sympathised with Kyle's recent setback.

The former Leeds striker, who has spent the best part of four years on the treatment table, revealed he had a quiet chat with the Stirling-born striker in a bid to boost his morale.

He said: "I can sympathise with Kevin Kyle, and with Colin Healy when he got injured, which was a major setback.

"Kyler is going through a similar scenario and it's unfortunate.

"But if anyone can sympathise then I can."

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