EXCITING young Scottish centre-forward Kevin Kyle is rewarded for smashing home five goals in four reserve games with promotion to the Sunderland first team squad which starts a two-match tour of Holland with a game against Vitesse Arnhem tonight.

Kyle, a former baggage-handler on Irish Sea ferries, was outstanding in the reserve team's pre-season tour of Scotland, including two strikes in a 3-1 victory over a Glasgow Rangers XI last Friday night.

Kyle joined up with the 20-strong Sunderland squad which left yesterday - and he is likely to get his chance at some stage of the games against Vitesse Arnhem and NAC Breda, Sunderland's opponents on Friday.

Sunderland manager Peter Reid, a great believer in giving young players their chance at first team level, has been impressed by Kyle's progress since joining the club last season and the 20-year-old helped England striker Kevin Phillips claim his second goal in the last game of the season at Everton.

Reid said: "Kevin's done well for the reserves and this is his reward.

"I've used our pre-season programme to have a look at a number of players and Kevin comes in for this trip."

Stranraer-born Kyle will take the place of striker Danny Dichio, who remains on Wearside with promising young full-back Simon Ramsden after last week's tour of the West Country and the Midlands.

Reid was pleased with his side's performances, finishing with a 3-0 victory at West Bromwich, but he expects a different type of game in Holland.

He said: "The West Country went well and we are looking forward to this trip, though it will be a different style of football.

"Last week there were what I call English type of games - fast and furious - and the matches in Holland will give us a different taste."

The Sunderland squad in Holland is: Sorensen, Macho, Haas, Varga, Thome, Craddock, Williams, Gray, McCartney, Arca, Bellion, Hutchison, Kilbane, McCann, Medina, Schwarz, Phillips, Quinn, Laslandes and Kyle.

*Sunderland have appointed three new directors - all promoted after working for the club in various capacities.

Marketing director Jim Slater 32, communications director Lesley Callaghan, 31, and financial director Peter Walker, 30, join the board with immediate effect.

Chairman Bob Murray said: "The appointments recognise the immense contribution and talents of the individuals concerned and their significant roles in the club. The promotions are well earned and a just reward for past efforts.

"Moving forward, the club will be driven by a young team of dynamic and proven individuals who will play and even more supporting role in achieving our ambitions to be a top six club."

* Sunderland defender Stanislav Varga has been named in an 18-man Slovakia squad ahead of next Wednesday's friendly with Iran in Bratislava, alongside midfielders Igor Balis (West Brom) and Robert Tomaschek (Hearts).

Meanwhile, combative midfielder Alex Rae is expected to make an appearance in Sunderland's friendly match with Tow Law tonight.

Kick off is expected to be at about 7pm.

* West Brom last night revealed they have rejected an offer from Coventry of just over £5m for star striker Lee Hughes.

But the Hawthorns club have allowed the 25-year-old, who netted 23 goals for the Baggies last season, to talk to their First Division rivals after he turned down a new contract last week

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