SUNDERLAND manager Peter Reid is set to hand the skipper's arm-band to striker Kevin Phillips as the England international tries to end a barren run of seven games without a goal at Leeds tomorrow.

Regular captain Michael Gray misses his first League game of the season because of a back injury and his place at left back will go to Northern Ireland international George McCartney.

But the job of leading the team out at Elland Road will go to Phillips, whose recent failure to find the net has probably cost him his chances of playing in this year's World Cup Finals.

Phillips has been labouring under the handicap of a slight groin strain and Reid admitted yesterday: "He has done brilliantly to play recently but he is now fully fit again.

"I know he will get goals as long as he keeps getting chances. I would not be surprised if he gets a few before the end of the season - in fact I'm certain he'll do that."

Reid, however, knows that Sunderland will have to produce another performance like the one which sent Leeds away empty-handed from the Stadium of Light in mid-November to earn their first back-to-back victories of the season following the 2-1 home defeat of Leicester City on Easter Monday.

He said: "Leeds have been unlucky with injuries and things off the field which have had an influence on how they have done this season.

"But when everyone is fit and on song they are one of the best teams in the League.

"They have some outstanding players, but in November it was the first time we've beaten them since I've been here. It was our best performance of the season and I want another performance like that."

Reid, however, makes no bones of the fact that Sunderland's general performances have fallen well short of that 2-0 victory.

He said: "It has been a disappointing season - you can't hide that fact - and certainly we would like to finish off well and get as many points as we can.

"We owe that to our supporters and the home win over Leicester was a great result for us.

"But we still haven't achieved Premiership safety and we need to get as many points as we can. The players know that and I just want them to go out and try to play.

"There has been a lot of tension in games recently. You have to have the right attitude but now we can sort of relax on the pitch and play our football.

"There were signs against Leicester and I think we can go out and get results, especially at places like Elland Road and in our game against Liverpool coming up.

"That's the beauty of being in this League. People say they are hard games, but long may it continue."

Reid will warn his players to be especially on their guard against former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, who has hit 15 League goals this season.

He said: "If you are looking for a striker and someone to finish, Robbie Fowler would come top of the list.

"He is a very intelligent player and is possibly the most clinical finisher in the country. I just think Fowler is a top-quality player."

But Reid also points to players like Mark Viduka, Robbie Keane and Alan Smith. "I think Leeds have a lot of fire-power," he said.

The Sunderland boss, however, feels that his side can build on the crucial home win over Leicester and sweep away lingering relegation fears.

He said: "We haven't managed back-to-back victories this season and while it will be hard at Elland Road, that's what we will be aiming for."

McCartney for Gray is expected to be Sunderland's only change, though Cameroon international Patrick Mboma could be pushing Nially Quinn for a starting place after recovering from an ankle injury received in the 3-0 defeat at Arsenal a week ago.

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