STEPHEN ELLIOTT could be in line for a surprise recall to the Sunderland team at Birmingham City this weekend if he can prove his fitness in the reserves tomorrow.

The Black Cats striker has been out of action since November 5 after suffering a stress fracture of the back, an injury that has ruined his big season back in the Premiership.

But Elliott could play his 13th top-flight match of the campaign if he comes through the second-string's game with Aston Villa.

Manager Mick McCarthy is keeping his fingers crossed after deciding to ditch the lone striker approach that failed to unearth three points from Blackburn in their last outing.

The trip to Birmingham, who are third bottom and ten points ahead of Sunderland, represents an opportunity for McCarthy's men to close the gap on those above them.

Although relegation still looks a certainty, despite having 12 games remaining, Elliott is the nearest thing to a goal-poacher Sunderland have in their ranks.

Target-man Kevin Kyle has performed well since making his return from his own long lay-off but is still searching for his first Premiership goal, while Jon Stead's misery on Wearside has shown no signs of easing in front of goal.

And Elliott, who scored 16 goals in the Championship title-winning campaign, is the man who most observers feel is Sunderland's most potent weapon.

McCarthy knows the Republic of Ireland striker's fitness can't be tested too severely but he is prepared to give the player every chance to prove he is strong enough to play against the Blues.

The Sunderland boss is also contemplating handing Martin Woods a second league start of the season at St Andrews, which would be a reward for impressing sufficiently to gain an international call.

Woods, a summer signing from Leeds, has forced his way into the first team reckoning in recent weeks after impressive displays for the reserves and is on the verge of starting a game.

With Tommy Miller suspended that chance could come this weekend, although Woods is battling with teenager Grant Leadbitter for the central midfield role.

Woods, who has played some part in both Sunderland's last two matches, was named in the Scotland Under-21 squad for the first time yesterday to face Iceland at Firhill on February 28.

That friendly arrives just a day before Sunderland centre-back Steve Caldwell will be earning his eighth Scotland senior cap against Switzerland at Hampden Park.

Neill Collins, on loan at Sheffield United from Sunderland, has been omitted from the Under-21s squad after being a regular in recent years.

Collins, who has already had a spell with Hartlepool this season, joined the Blades on loan on Saturday morning and helped his new side to a 2-1 win over rivals Sheffield Wednesday.

It was agreed by both clubs that the former Dumbarton centre-back can be recalled to the Stadium of Light at any stage after the first 28 days of the registration have been completed.

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