JODY Craddock will make an emotional return to the Sunderland team Tuesday with Peter Reid's glowing praise ringing in his ears.

Craddock has not made a first-team appearance this season and was devastated last month when his baby son Jake died.

But after an assured performance for Sunderland Reserves against Bolton Wanderers' second string on Monday, last season's player of the year will return alongside Phil Babb in the absence of the injured Joachim Bjorklund.

Reid said: "What happened was devastating for Jody and his family, and we told him to take off as much time as he needed. It's great to have him back.

"He's Mr Consistent. He's a great pro and I watched him put in a good performance for the reserves this week. He's not rusty.

"Jody is a smashing lad and you know what you'll get from the kid. He's never let this club down and his attitude is second to none."

Reid also gave Kevin Kilbane his full support ahead of the winger's test of character against Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light.

Kilbane, who gave a V-sign to the club's fans in a pre-season friendly at Genk, has not yet played for the first team at home this campaign.

But after he made his return in last Saturday's derby, Reid said: "I thought Kevin did well at Newcastle; I thought he was one of the plusses there.

"I intimated the week before the Newcastle game that Kevin was still very much part of my plans.

"He's a good player and he puts so much into his game. I have to use him when I think it's right to do so."

Reid cast an admiring eye over Sunderland Reserves' performance, with Julio Arca and David Bellion forcing their way into their manager's plans for today's game.

With Michael Gray and Jason McAteer struggling to be fit to meet Villa, Reid will make a number of changes to his starting line-up.

He said: "Julio Arca comes into the equation because he's had another game since last Saturday and he looked strong.

"David Bellion has been outstanding and has scored three goals in three reserve-team games. He's got pace and can go past people. I've got a few options."

Meanwhile goalkeeepr Thomas Sorensen last night insisted Sunderland will undergo a stunning transformation from timid kittens to snarling Black Cats against Villa.

A week after they rolled over at St James' Park, Sorensen has pledged he and his teammates will rediscover their bite in time for the arrival of Villa.

The goalkeeper accepts his share of the blame for Sunderland's surrenders against Middlesbrough, Fulham and Newcastle United.

The speculation surrounding Reid's future has been noted by the players who have let down their manager so badly in recent weeks.

And with Reid battling to save his job, Sorensen is adamant that the manager's wish that the players show pride in the Sunderland shirt will be granted.

He said: "We owe it to the manager to give 100 per cent. The attitude has changed this week towards a more aggressive way of playing.

"You'll see a different team on Saturday; a team that wants to win for the fans, the manager and ourselves.

"A lot of the players at the club, including myself, owe the manager a lot and it's definitely going to show on Saturday.

"I've sensed a more positive atmosphere at the club this week. We all know this is the time to do things the right way.

"We're known for giving 100 per cent on the pitch but that hasn't been the case in the last three games.

"It's one thing to be beaten having given your best. But if that's not the case, you have to look at yourself rather than the manager or the fans.

"But we've worked really hard in training in the last three or four days; you can see the commitment has been there.

"At the moment, any game is huge, but we need to get the confidence up and to start moving up the table.

"We must remember, though, that this is only a football match at the end of the day, even though we know there's more to it.

"It's not the nicest position to be in. We want to be comfortable and to get the happy days back.

"When things aren't going right, you can't just sit in the corner and keep your mouth shut. We've had a few talks about it and everyone has had their say.

"That has cleared things up and we know what direction we're going in now, which is important.