PREMIERSHIP teams are now reluctant to take Sunderland on at the Stadium of Light and play an open game, Wearside boss Peter Reid claimed last night.

After finalising preparations for the visit of Southampton, Reid admitted he is worried by a shortage of goals. But he said: "It is a great compliment to how far the club has come and how far the team has come that teams are trying to stop us at this level. It is not often that a team comes and takes us on.

"The fans have been patient this season and there have not been bags of goals - they have a good knowledge of the game.

But it is difficult when teams come here and get a lot of men behind the ball. It is hard to break down at any level."

Reid would like his side to click into top gear and put in a few goals.

He said: "I have just got a feeling that there are goals in the team.

"It is not like last time we got into the Premiership when I was wondering where we would get goals from."

Reid has called for a greater goal-scoring contribution from his midfield players and Scottish international Don Hutchison has responded with three in two games.

Now he is hoping that winger Kevin Kilbane, who comes back after serving a three-match suspension, will take on a regular goal-scoring mantle.

Kilbane, sent off for pushing England full back Graeme Le Saux during the 1-0 home win over Chelsea a month ago, returns in place of 19-year-old Julio Arca, who cannot get back in time after playing an Under-21 international for Argentina against Chile.

Reid would not reveal which flank the naturally left-sided player would take, but he had been operating on the right this season.

Reid said: "Kevin has been our most outstanding player this season - I expected it and I think the fans appreciate what he is doing.

"His goal against Derby was terrific and we have asked him to take the ball forward and go at people - we want him to be positive and I think he has done that."

Reid added: "I think he can operate on either side. People might ask why play a left-sided player on the right but I can't remember too many complaints when I played Allan Johnston, a right-footed player, on the left.

"Sometimes it works and I think it has worked with Kevin Kilbane.

"He has shown a lot more confidence this season and he is much more relaxed."

Kilbane is relieved to come straight back into the team after completing his suspension.

He admitted: "It was a big concern that I might not get back into the team and I must make sure that nothing like this ever happens again. It was stupid and you can't do things like that."

The Republic of Ireland international is not concerned about which flank he occupies against Southampton.

"I have enjoyed playing on the right and it has not been difficult to switch over. It is nice to be able to play in a couple of positions and I was pleased the boss gave me the opportunity to play on the right."

Kilbane is determined to increase his goal output. He said: "When I was at West Brom I used to get six or seven goals a season but I've only hit two since I have been with Sunderland.

"I know I need to improve on my goalscoring. It is important that more people start chipping in with a few more goals to take the burden off the front two.