SUNDERLAND will face old boy Danny Dichio when they take on Millwall at the New Den on Saturday.

Lions player-manager Dennis Wise yesterday completed the signing of striker Dichio on a month's loan from West Brom.

The 29-year-old Londoner, who joined the Baggies from Sunderland for £1.25m just over two years ago, has recovered from a hernia operation but is out of favour at The Hawthorns and eager for first-team action.

Wise, in the grip of an injury crisis, has turned to Dichio after losing Belgian international Bob Peeters with a calf problem.

Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle has dropped a hint to manager Mick McCarthy, who managed Millwall for four years until 1996, as he looks to regain his place.

Kyle hasn't started since the 1-1 draw at Coventry on December 8, but feels his physical approach will be vital against Millwall.

Resurgent Sunderland have won their last five matches and Kyle said: "I've enjoyed the last few games because I've helped us pick up some good results; coming off the bench is better than not playing at all.

"But there's nothing like starting a game and I'm hoping to do that against Millwall.

"It'll be a scrap there and a physical battle, so maybe it'll suit my game.

"The lads don't really talk about the winning run, but you can tell we're doing OK because confidence in training is high. I don't think there is anything to be scared of in the First Division.''

Meanwhile, Sunderland's Nicolas Medina, who has been on a year's loan to Spanish club Leganes, is in Argentina's Under-23 squad battling for Olympic qualification.

The 21-year-old is currently in Chile and hoping to be involved in today's game against Ecuador.

Medina, who has failed to break into the Black Cats' first team despite costing £3.5m from Argentinos Juniors when Peter Reid signed him in July 2001, is the only Europe-based player in his country's squad.

He was on the bench when the Argentinians drew 0-0 with Peru in their Group B opener last week, and was substituted in the 2-1 win over Bolivia on Saturday.

Argentina also tackle Colombia this week and Medina is expected to feature. Two teams from South America will qualify for next summer's Olympics.

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