SUNDERLAND manager Peter Reid has been left sweating over the fitness of nearly £10m worth of talent as four of his first team squad turn out for international duty tonight.

The Wearside boss has already had to withdraw striker Niall Quinn and midfielder Stefan Schwarz from their countries' friendly games because of minor knocks and now he is hoping that there will be no problems with the others who will be in competitive action just four days before Ipswich Town visit the Stadium of Light.

Star goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen plays for Denmark against France, Kevin Kilbane will be on the wing as the Republic of Ireland face Croatia, central defender Stanislav Varga continues in his regular slot for Slovakia against Iran, while latest signing Bernt Haas will be celebrating his Switzerland recall in Austria.

Reid is naturally delighted that so many of his players are rated highly enough to play for their countries, but he realises the risks involved in the build up to the new Premiership season.

He admitted: "You have always got concerns, whether players go off on international duty during the season or at a time like this.

"But there's nothing you can do about it and if you look on the positive side it's a good bit of publicity for the club to have so many internationals."

He added: "I would have loved to have had everybody at our Whitburn training ground all week to work with for the Ipswich game but I haven't.

"I'm not going to moan about it because it is a fact of life when you buy quality players who play for their countries.

"It's something that happens to a lot of clubs now, but certainly I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that they all come home fit and well."

Quinn picked up an ankle knock in the 4-0 defeat against NAC Breda, while Schwarz is having problems with a slight groin strain.

Both are receiving intensive treatment and are expected to be able to rejoin their teammates for the final preparations for the Ipswich game.

Reid is delighted with the progress being made by Scottish B international Alex Rae, who has recovered from a long-term injury to push his first team claims.

Now clear of the knee injury which kept him out of the final three months of last season, the gritty midfielder hit two goals in Sunderland's reserve team's two matches against Chelsford City and Purfleet at the weekend

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