SUNDERLAND manager Peter Reid is set to hit "model professional" Kevin Kilbane with a hefty fine after the Repunblic of Ireland international's red card during the 1-0 home win over Chelsea.

The 23-year-old winger, who had not been booked this season and previously never sent off in his career, was given his marching orders by Stockton referee Jeff Winter for violent conduct after angrily pushing England defender Graeme Le Saux, who was also sent off.

Kilbane, a £2.5m signing from West Brom last season, will now miss the home games against Coventry City and Everton, plus the Worthington Cup third round tie at Bristol Rovers on October 31.

Reid was surprised by the uncharacteristic loss of control by the usually quiet-natured Kilbane, who has been finding his best form on the right flank. "Kevin Kilbane is not like that and what happened was out of character," said the Wearside boss. "But hands were raised and there was a push and in these circumstances the referee has no alternative.

"We have a code of conduct at the club which covers matters like this and he will be fined.

"It is something I don't like doing because he is model professional, but rules are rules."

Kilbane has established himself as a regular in the Republic of Ireland team, and international teammate Niall Quinn, who has been excited by the winger's progress, said recently he believed the young player was "a moment away from greatness".

Kilbane responded to the praise by scoring a cracking goal in the home win over Derby County, a glorious strike which is in the running for the BBC's Match of the Day Goal of the Month award.

Reid, who gambled on paying out a big fee for a relatively unproven player, is delighted with the way Kilbane has started to fulfil his huge potential.

He said: "He is a really good player and that has been seen at international level and the Sunderland fans are now starting to see the true Kevin Kilbane.

"When he gets inside and goes at people he looks very dangerous - against Chelsea he once gave Marcel Desailly a yard and you are talking about one of the quickest and strongest players in the world."