KEVIN BALL is expected to join Sunderland's relegation battle next week after agreeing to become part of Howard Wilkinson's coaching staff.

Almost four years after Ball captained the Sunderland team that swept into the Premiership, the Wearside legend has been charged with the task of helping the club remain in the top flight.

Ball, 38, has been in talks with Sunderland since November after failing to sign for a new club following his departure from Burnley last summer.

He is now on the verge of a backroom return to the club he served with distinction for almost ten years as a player during the 1990s.

Wilkinson said: "Hopefully, Kevin will start next week and he'll bring the qualities we know he's got to the football club.

"I wouldn't have brought him into the football club if I didn't think he wouldn't have a positive impact. Coaches have to be leaders.

"Kevin's qualities are qualities that you must have to make a living in the long term in this game. If you've not got the passion and enthusiasm as a coach, you're dead; you won't succeed.

"He'll come in on the coaching staff with a specific responsibility to work with the younger professionals in the grey area between academy and senior professional football.

"But like all of us, it's a case of coaching one group, but also working with everyone else as and when it's required.

"This has not happened overnight. I asked him to think long and hard about the business, which he did for about a week or ten days.

"I understand he's a link with success in the past. That's not the reason he's been brought in, but that might be a nice by-product."

As Ball prepared to link up again with Sunderland, rebel striker David Bellion - the Black Cats' own Enfant Terrible - was told to prepare for a first-team return against Blackburn Rovers tonight.

Bellion, 20, has not lined up for Sunderland since December 21 after telling Wilkinson over Christmas that he was mentally unfit to play.

However, he came on as a second-half substitute against Aston Villa Reserves on Monday and could figure this evening, his proposed move to Manchester United having fallen through.

Wilkinson said: "Bellion is in the squad for the game. If he is fit mentally and physically, he's obviously an asset to the football club.

"If he fulfils those two criteria and merits it, he will be selected."

Wilkinson admits the prospect of facing First Division club Watford at home in the last 16 should they beat Blackburn is an enticing one.

The Sunderland manager has admitted he would have considered fielding weakened teams earlier in the competition, had the Black Cats' chronic injury list not prevented him from taking that option.

He added: "The FA Cup has a huge attraction and we'll be doing our best to get through this match.

"We have a home match to follow that, which is a great incentive. All you can ask for in the FA Cup is a home draw."

Phil Babb is doubtful with a groin problem, while Tore Andre Flo damaged an ankle against Charlton Athletic.

Kevin Phillips was undergoing treatment yesterday on a foot injury, but he should be fit.

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