SUNDERLAND'S Gavin McCann was finally forced to admit defeat yesterday in his fight against a niggling knee injury.

Manager Peter Reid decided to rest the newly-capped midfielder for tomorrow's crucial game against Tottenham, although he could be back at Coventry on Monday.

There will be other changes over the Easter period as Reid to shuffles his pack for games that may hold the key to Sunderland's European ambitions.

Reid said yesterday:"Football is so physically demanding nowadays that it's virtually impossible to play two games in three days.

"There will be changes for both games and I will be using a lot of the squad.

"I want players who are fresh and fit - and I have a lot who have been unlucky not to be involved before now."

McCann has been troubled by the injury for the past two games, although it is not linked to the cruciate ligament problems that kept him out in the opening months of the season.

The former Everton player was prepared to play, but Reid said:"I've told him we are not going to risk him.

"The extra rest will do him good and he'll certainly come into contention against Coventry on Monday."

Striker Niall Quinn is likely to start tomorrow after reporting no problems with his back injury following his 25-minute appearance against Middlesbrough on Monday. "He's fit and raring to go," said Reid.

The return of a fully-fit Quinn will be a massive lift for Sunderland, who have failed to score in seven of their last 11 games.

"It's been frustrating," admitted Reid. "There are vital points at stake and we need to start scoring goals again."

l Swedish striker Fredrik Ljungberg believes Arsenal will be better equipped to make a serious championship challenge next season.

Manchester United need only two more victories to wrap their third title in a row and although Arsenal cemented second spot with a 4-0 win at Manchester City on Wednesday, there is a feeling of under-achievement in the air at Highbury.

A 6-1 humbling by Sir Alex Ferguson's side in February and a 4-0 defeat to Liverpool still wrankle with Ljungberg and his team-mates.

''It hurts when that happens,'' he said. ''I hope we can make it closer next season.

''First, of course, we have to make sure we finish second this time."