SCOTTISH international Don Hutchison is ready to step into the breach and deputise for suspended goal-ace Kevin Phillips in this afternoon's home game against Manchester City.

The 29-year-old striker, who has missed the last four games with a torn hamstring, came through his first full-scale training session yesterday with flying colours - and immediately volunteered to play an emergency striker's role against City.

"I do enjoy playing as a striker - I have done quite well in that role for Scotland.

"I like playing up front - when you score and the team wins you get a lot of the headlines, which is great.

"But there are a lot of good forwards at the club and they might get the chance before me.

"But whoever gets the call from the gaffer they will give 100 per cent."

Hutchison was in great goalscoring form before picking up his injury, scoring four goals in three games, including the equaliser in the 2-1 victory at Newcastle, which delighted Wearside fans.

Hutchison is itching to be back in action after his lay-off, though he has been receiving treatment for most of the week.

He said: "I didn't know I was training until the physiotherapist gave me the all-clear this morning - I think it was the reward for the recent progress I've made."

Hutchison would love to strike up a partnership with Republic of Ireland international Niall Quinn.

He said: "!It would be great to play alongside Niall Quinn - he is a top class player.

"We missed him in the midweek cup tie at Crystal Palace, even though Danny Dichio did a great job.

"It would not surprise me if the gaffer played them both together against City because they are both attacking players.

"But if I get the chance it would be brilliant - I would give it my best shot.

"Before my injury I was scoring a few goals and I hope to continue in the same vein.

"At the start of the season I set myself the target of getting into double figures and I'm half way there.

"If I can get into double figures and help Sunderland qualify for Europe I would have achieved my main objective."

Hutchison is looking forward to the busy holiday period and hopes he can play his full part.

He has been thrilled by the way supporters have backed the team home and away.

He said: "The fans have really been top drawer - I'm sure they've been in previous seasons but this is my first year at the club and I realise just how good they are. It is a big factor for the players to have a crowd like that behind them."

Hutchison really enjoyed the accolades he received from supporters when he scored at St James' Park.

He said: "That game and playing for Scotland against England have been the highlights of the season for me.

"I had a lot to prove when I came to Sunderland and it was nice to score against Newcastle for the fans - hopefully they will now regard me as one of their own."

Quinn believes that whoever comes into the side against his old club will do a good job.

He said: "Of course it is a blow to lose Kevin Phillips for this game because he is a great striker and will be a hard act to follow.

"But you have to look positively at the situation and whoever gets the chance will come in determined to show that he is capable of performing at the top level.

"People who are not in the team are desperate to prove their ability and this will be a golden opportunity for someone."

Quinn admits that lining up against Manchester City will be something special for him.

He said: "I loved playing for Manchester City - they are a great club.

"It was the club where my career really took off and I have fond memories about the place.

"I am grateful that the club propelled me towards becoming a half-decent footballer and I'm delighted to see them back in the top flight."

He added: "They've had a couple of good League results lately and it's going to be a tough match.

"But we've got a great home crowd behind us and we'll try to get back to winning ways.