THOMAS MYHRE was last night told he could revive his international career by quitting Sunderland on a permanent basis.

Myhre, currently on a month's loan at Crystal Palace, made his first senior appearance for almost 12 months against Gillingham on Saturday.

Now, the 30-year-old is expected to earn a recall to the Norway team for next month's Euro 2004 qualifiers with Spain.

With Mart Poom ensconced as Sunderland's main keeper, Myhre's prospects of forcing his way into the first team on Wearside appear bleak.

But Norway's goalkeeping coach Erik Thorstvedt has confirmed the former Everton man has an international future - if he gets regular club action.

Thorstvedt said: "We're keeping a close eye on Thomas Myhre and, as long as he's playing football, he is part of our plans.

"It's up to him now. He's spent a long time out through injury but he's fit again.

"If Thomas can stay fit and continue to play first-team football, there's no reason why he shouldn't play for Norway again."

Myhre has not appeared in a Sunderland shirt since injuring his thigh at Bolton Wanderers a year ago today.

He was put on the transfer list this year, but Sunderland may yet prevent his permanent departure after the loss over the summer of Thomas Sorensen and Jurgen Macho.

With Palace's main goalkeeper Matt Clarke expected to retire shortly, the Eagles are expected to pursue their interest in Myhre when his loan expires next month.

Myhre said: "It's out of my hands. It is just nice for me to be playing again. I'm feeling really good and confident now."

Sunderland have received a timely injury boost after it emerged that Sean Thornton would be out for only three weeks.

It was feared that the Irishman had suffered serious ankle damage in last week's reserves derby with Newcastle United.

But Thornton, 20, is now expected to be sidelined for just three weeks - which should also make him available for the World Youth Championship.

* Doncaster Rovers want to extend Sunderland striker Chris Brown's loan spell.

He has scored four goals in five games for the Yorkshire club during his initial one-month stay at Belle Vue.

* Michael Gray is convinced former Sunderland teammate Kevin Phillips is the man to step into Henrik Larsson's boots if he leaves Celtic at the end of the season.

The Swedish international striker continued to amaze on-loan defender Gray with his hat-trick in the 4-0 victory over Aberdeen at Parkhead on Saturday.

Gray now ranks him above the Southampton frontman as the best finisher he has played with.

But if Larsson goes ahead with his threat to leave Celtic when his contract expires at the end of the season, Gray believes Phillips would be the perfect replacement

''He would be a fantastic replacement for Henrik but whether that happens is another thing."

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