BERNT Haas last night begged Howard Wilkinson to let him revive his Sunderland career after accusing Peter Reid of shunning him during his final few weeks on Wearside.

Haas, set to face Manchester United for Basle in the Champions' League tonight, was dumped by Reid after just one season and 29 appearances for Sunderland.

But he is keen to return to the North-East following Wilkinson's arrival and prove he is not a Premiership flop. Haas, 24, said: "I have a year left on my Sunderland contract and would gladly go back.

"I only came to Switzerland because Peter Reid made it clear he didn't want me. I was a regular in the team until I got a hamstring injury, and Peter Reid never properly spoke to me again.

"When I was fit, he wouldn't even put me on the bench. When I asked why, he told me to go away.

"I got a fax on holiday saying I should look for another club. Then, at pre-season training, a journalist rang to say I had been put on the transfer list - I hadn't even been told by the club.

"I've been in Swiss football for seven years and want the new challenge. That's why I went to the Premiership in the first place, and what happened to me hasn't put me off at all."

Haas has remained in touch with Jurgen Macho - "He rang me as soon as Peter Reid was sacked," the Switzerland defender said - and Emerson Thome.

He is determined to link up again with his erstwhile teammates, and added: "The Sunderland players tell me the new manager has made a lot of changes and it's been very good.

"The team train twice a day now and the manager is there all the time, talking to the players."

* Gavin McCann will miss Sunderland's home game with Manchester City on December 9 through suspension.

The midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season against Birmingham City on Saturday.

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