UNWANTED winger Nicky Summerbee finds himself frozen out as Sunderland prepare to face Coventry City without the suspended Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

The 29-year-old right-sided midfielder was virtually an automatic choice after his move from Manchester City three years ago until the start of this season.

He hoped to come into contention as a replacement for Kilbane, who starts a three-match ban after his dismissal with England full back Graeme Le Saux in the 1-0 home win over Chelsea a fortnight ago.

But boss Peter Reid, who has denied any behind-the-scenes rift with the former England B international, said yesterday Summerbee would not come into the reckoning.

Reid revealed he had options about replacing Kilbane, but they did not include Summerbee.

He said: "I have said what I want to say about it and I don't want to get involved in anything else.

"It would be fair to say that Nicky Summerbee will not come into the reckoning against Coventry City."

Told that the public were mystified by Summerbee's continued absence - he has played only one reserve team game this season - Reid replied: "I have said everything I have got to say about the subject and if that changes I will let you know."

Summerbee, who picked up an injury which kept him out of Sunderland's pre-season build-up, ruled himself out of the opening game of the season against Arsenal.

He told the manager he wasn't fit. Other players who were carrying knocks said they would play and Sunderland won 1-0.

Since then Summerbee has not been involved in first team action and has turned down moves to Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers, even though he admits he fears that he has played his last game for Sunderland.

Reid, who fears a backlash from Coventry following their 6-1 thrashing at Chelsea last week, said he could "go narrow", bringing back Scottish international Don Hutchison, or playing exciting young striker Michael Reddy or Welsh international John Oster wide on the right.

Reid, however, is most likely to recall Hutchison, who found himself on the substitutes' bench in the goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday after serving a one-match suspension, as he prepares for a tough game against Coventry.

He recalled: "I remember going to Newcastle last year when I saw Sheffield Wednesday get battered by eight goals.

"We played them the following week at the Stadium of Light and it was a completely different game before we won 1-0.

"I expect the same against Coventry City. They will be hurting and they will be out to beat us.

"No-one likes to be beaten, especially by six goals, and I know they will be fighting like anything to get a result against us."

Reid expects a tough game - last year's corresponding fixture was a dour 1-1 draw and this one could be the same type of game.

Reid said: "We haven't really been firing on all cylinders in the final third of the pitch.

"But our fans have a good knowledge of the game and they have been patient.

"I think they know it will be hard for us, but if we can improve in the final third I will be a lot happier."

Reid is happy with the way his defence has looked solid in an unbeaten run of seven games.

He said: "We have really looked strong and solid and that gives you a platform to get results.

"Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips have the main responsibility for scoring but we need goals from other areas.

"In recent weeks we have looked really strong, especially in our drawn games and now we must try to turn those draws into victories.