HOWARD WILKINSON could be facing a major injury worry over midfielder Claudio Reyna, who hobbled out of Sunderland's 1-0 home defeat by West Ham with suspected knee ligament damage.

The United States World Cup captain came off in some distress with ten minutes to go of Wilkinson's first game in charge of the Black Cats.

"We don't know the full extent,'' said Wilkinson. "It's either a knock or a strain to his anterior ligament.''

The loss of Reyna is something Wilkinson can ill afford as he faces a fight to preserve Sunderland's Premiership status following the sacking of Peter Reid.

Wilkinson had his players training at the Stadium of Light last week in a bid to bring back some home comforts.

But the fear factor was evident from the start on Saturday as Sunderland slipped to their third defeat in five home games and fifth reverse in their last six Premiership outings.

Wilkinson said: "Two years ago, this team were frightening the opposition here. In the first half, our throw-ins caused us more problems than they did them.

"We needed to start the game like we started the second half. It was a cheap first-half victory for West Ham.

"Maybe it's down to a lack of confidence or fear or a lack of appreciation. We have to change that.

"I wouldn't be here if we didn't have problems - Peter would be sitting here.

"It was fantastic to be back in management - until three o'clock!''

Wilkinson insisted axed striker Tore Andre Flo, Sunderland's record £8.2m signing, still has a future on Wearside.

"I don't think, and the Norway international people presumably don't think, that he is up to match pace yet,'' said Wilkinson. That's something we have to deal with in the next few weeks.''

Another issue to be addressed is the future of Niall Quinn. The veteran striker, appointed player-coach by Reid in the summer, is expected to decide in the next fortnight whether to continue in the role.

"Niall has been at sixes and sevens,'' said Wilkinson. "He has to decide whether he wants to be a coach. The last time I spoke to him he thought he maybe wasn't too keen.''

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