WINGER John Oster insists the pressure of Sunderland's spectacular fall from grace will be nothing compared to that generated by Wales' crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Italy at the San Siro tonight.

Oster was a peripheral figure on Wearside last season as Sunderland endured the ignominy of being relegated with only 19 points, the lowest ever in the Premiership.

He spent a loan spell with Grimsby but was back at the Stadium of Light before the fateful conclusion to the season after turning down a permanent return to Blundell Park, where his career was launched.

This season, 24-year-old Oster has gone about re-establishing himself on the right of Sunderland's midfield and linked up with Wales for the trip to Milan emboldened by impressive performances in the Black Cats' victories over Watford and Bradford.

Signed by Peter Reid from Everton for £1m four years ago, Oster said: "I've become used to pressure since moving to Sunderland, but playing against Italy in a European Championship qualifier is an entirely different pressure.

"It's really important that we don't get beaten, but as far as the pressure goes it will be about as intense as you'll get anywhere at any time.'' Oster revealed that his involvement with Wales has helped him cope with "difficult times'' at Sunderland.

The Welsh face Finland in another qualifier at Cardiff on Wednesday, and Oster stressed: "International football is great at the moment, even if we're still disappointed with the defeat in Serbia-Montenegro a couple of weeks ago. There are two really important games coming up, starting with Italy, and it's a testing time for everyone involved with Wales.

"Even when things haven't been great at Sunderland, I've had the chance to join up with the Welsh squad and it has made a difference. The team morale and the spirit in the camp helped me get through the difficult times last season and kept my confidence up.

"International football is a very different bag, so I don't think you can really compare the situation at Sunderland with Wales.

"Every nation experiences their peaks and troughs, but more so with a smaller country.

"Getting a settled squad together on a regular basis is a problem in itself, but Wales have a good mix of youth and experience and we're confident in our ability.

"We have to qualify for Portugal 2004.''

* Sunderland should know soon the date for the tribunal at which the fee for David Bellion's move to Manchester United will be fixed.

The Black Cats rejected an offer worth up to £1m from Old Trafford before 20-year-old Bellion's summer switch on a Bosman deal.

Sunderland are entitled to compensation because the French forward is under 24.

A Football League spokesman said: "There's no date yet for the tribunal; we're just waiting for responses from panel members.''

* Midfielder Sean Thornton is expected to be fit for Sunderland's home game with Crystal Palace a week today after pulling out of the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad with a "minor'' knee strain.