HOWARD Wilkinson could give Stefan Schwarz the chance to revive his Premiership career on Monday as the Sunderland boss seeks a cure for his massive midfield headache.

Schwarz, 33, fell out with Peter Reid last season and appeared to have no future at Sunderland after he was put on the transfer list in the summer.

But with Wilkinson suffering from a chronic shortage of midfielders, Schwarz came off the bench for the final 25 minutes of Tuesday's Worthington Cup tie at Sheffield United.

The former Sweden captain has already been brought in from the cold under Wilkinson, who gave him a coaching role shortly after his arrival on Wearside.

Sunderland's midfield resources have been severely depleted by injury and suspension ahead of Monday's crucial visit of Manchester City.

Already without Claudio Reyna for the rest of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, Wilkinson cannot call on Julio Arca (ankle), Thomas Butler (hamstring) or Matthew Piper (hernia) against City.

Jason McAteer has not played since the derby defeat to Newcastle United on September 21 after undergoing a hernia operation and suffering a recent setback in his rehabilitation.

To compound Wilkinson's problems, Gavin McCann will miss the City game as he serves a one-match suspension incurred after he was cautioned five times.

Kevin Kilbane, who is one booking away from a ban, and Paul Thirlwell are certain to line up at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland look to arrest a three-match losing run.

Darren Williams will also be available, as will youngsters David Bellion and Michael Proctor, but Schwarz's appearance at Bramall Lane illustrated he figures in Wilkinson's first-team plans.

Wilkinson admitted: "At the moment I'm short of midfielders, and with a lot of games coming up I had to be careful against Sheffield United.

"I had Kevin Kilbane and Paul Thirlwell sitting at home, but apart from that we're struggling."

* A Sunderland XI will open Hull City's new Kingston Communications Stadium when they meet the Third Division side on December 18.

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