SUNDERLAND crowd favourite Julio Arca is eager to win a first-team place under new boss Howard Wilkinson - and revive his international career.

The Argentinian skippered his country to World Under-20 Championship glory in the summer of last year.

But a nagging groin injury prompted Wilkinson's predecessor, Peter Reid, to send Arca back to his homeland in February to recuperate and he has since started only three senior games.

Now the 21-year-old needs to figure in Wilkinson's plans if he is to force his way into Argentina's Under-23 party bidding to qualify for the Olympics in two years' time. Arca wasn't even on the bench when Wilkinson named his first side in Saturday's dismal 1-0 home defeat by West Ham, Kevin Kilbane being given the nod over the South American.

But Arca had his first chance to impress Wilkinson in a strong Sunderland Reserves side who won 3-1 away to Middlesbrough on Monday night.

Arca, signed by Reid from Argentinos Juniors for £3.5m three seasons ago, said: "Of course, I want to play for my country again; I'm the same as any other player in that respect.

"But I need to play for Sunderland if that is going to happen. I haven't had any contact from Argentina for a while, but that's because I haven't played lots of games.

"However, that doesn't mean I can't get back into the picture. The Olympic qualifiers are a realistic aim for me.''

Meanwhile, record £8.2m signing Tore Andre Flo staked his claim for a recall from Wilkinson when he set up two goals for the reserves.

The Norwegian striker was axed from the squad for the West Ham game because of a lack of fitness.

But Sunderland reserve coach Ricky Sbragia said: "Tore is getting closer to match pace each time he plays. He just needs games, but he showed he is getting fitter and stronger.''

l Birmingham captain Steve Vickers has suffered another injury setback which will keep him out of action for at least a month, writes john curtis.

The former Middlesbrough player suffered a broken rib after a clash with West Brom's Sean Gregan during Saturday's derby draw at The Hawthorns.

The 34-year-old had his worse fears confirmed after having x-rays and he becomes manager Steve Bruce's latest defensive casualty.

Vickers had only just returned to action after missing the first two months of the season following a knee operation in the summer.

* Blackburn defender Martin Taylor has signed a new contract which will keep him at Ewood Park until 2006. The England Under-21 international scored twice for Rovers in the 5-2 win over Newcastle on Saturday, and his signature has been described by Blackburn boss Graeme Souness as a ''major piece of business''

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