SUNDERLAND have turned to the doctor who worked wonders with Michael Owen in a bid to save Kevin Kyle's career.

Kyle has remained in the North-East while the rest of the Black Cats squad tour North America allowing the Wearsiders' medical staff to monitor his hip injury.

But, with no signs of improvement, the Sunderland striker will see German specialist Hans Moeller-Wohlfahrt in a bid to avoid yet another operation.

There is a fear if the 24-year-old goes under the surgeon's knife once again it will effectively end his career - while there is also every chance it will find the root of the problem.

Moeller-Wohlfahrt was the man Liverpool turned to when striker Owen was continually plagued with hamstring problems, and there were immediate improvements.

Now Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy has given Kyle permission to travel to Germany to see the specialist and try to cure the injury without having to have the make or break operation.

"Kevin is going to see Moeller-Wohlfahrt in a couple of weeks time to see if his input can make a difference. He seems to think he can help Kevin and we're happy for him to try," said McCarthy.

"He's Germany's national team doctor and he's got a great track record, which includes helping Owen.

"Kevin's hips are a bit different to Michael's hamstrings but Moeller-Wohlfahrt is a top specialist and you to have respect his abilities. An operation will be the last port of call."

Kyle has not played for 11 months and even prior to the start of last season he ended the 2002-03 campaign playing through the pain barrier.

He has made 50 league starts for the club since turning professional five years ago and his hip problem has already been operated on.

The rest of the Sunderland squad return to the North-East on Monday after playing their final tour game against the Portland Timbers tomorrow morning.

Sunderland have won two and lost one so far but midfielder Julio Arca does not believe they will really start to gel until they return to England.

McCarthy will take his side to Hull on Wednesday while they also have a date with Sheffield United booked in for Saturday.

And Arca said: "Vancouver and Seattle have both given us tough games and Portland will be the same.

"This trip to American is to get us fit. We will see how we are doing next week when we play Hull and Sheffield United.

"Its a long journey home but we should be fine by then. Hull have just been promoted and it should be a good test. We know all about Sheffield United."

Sunderland's final friendly of the summer will be at AZ Alkmaar in Holland on August 6 - a week before they are due to kick-off at home to Charlton in the Premiership.

\* Michael Bridges is ready to end his Sunderland nightmare after agreeing to team up with Marcus Stewart at Bristol City.

Bridges was told at the end of last season he had no future on Wearside and was put on the transfer list.

And while Sunderland have been in North America, the 26-year-old has found himself a new club. Now Bridges, after having the chance to join two Championship sides and ten other League One clubs including Hartlepool, will sign for the Robins so long as he passes a medical.

"Michael has agreed a one-year contract, with a further year's option," said manager Brian Tinnion. "We wouldn't be signing him if we felt there was any doubt over his fitness."

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