INJURED Kieran Richardson has played no part in trying to end Sunderland's wretched form but manager Roy Keane believes that could prove beneficial to the club.

Richardson is edging closer to a return to action after back surgery and could be back in Keane's plans before the hectic Christmas programme.

During the skilful midfielder's absence Keane's side have won just one of 12 matches and bottom- placed Derby arrive on Wearside this weekend hoping to prevent a first Sunderland win in eight games.

Richardson, however, will have to watch the the crucial encounter from the stands.

While for some players around four months out through injury could seriously damage their confidence, Keane feels that his £5.5m summer purchase will benefit.

In Richardson's opening three matches for Sunderland he failed to make the sort of impact expected of him on the left of midfield.

And when he was forced to withdraw from the defeat to Liverpool on August 25 - his last game - it was thought he could have been dropped for the next game anyway.

However, having had time to settle into the North-East way of life during his rehabilitation, the club and supporters should see an improved Richardson when he eventually returns.

"He will take encouragement from the fact he can see the other lads are getting back," said Keane, reflecting on the comebacks made by Dean Whitehead and Carlos Edwards in recent weeks.

"It must have been difficult for him, because he's come to a new club and expectation levels were probably higher for him than the others.

"I sometimes think these things happen for a reason. It will have given Kieran time to sit back and consider a few things, he will realise what a big club Sunderland is and that this team plays some decent football.

"Sometimes you can learn as much sitting on the sidelines for a while. He would rather be out there playing, but when he comes back, and we hope it's sooner rather than later, he will be a hungry young man."

There is certainly no danger of Keane rushing the England winger back for the sake of it and the Irishman will follow medical advice over the course of the next few weeks.

"Kieran is in the hands of the surgeon and it's a d e l i - cate one because it's a back injury,"

said Keane.

"He has been forgotten about a bit because he's a long-term absentee, which is wrong. Other players were always going be back before him, but Kieran is an important player for us.

"He's another few weeks or so away so we're not getting our hopes up too much. He's doing a bit of light jogging now so at least there is light at the end of the tunnel.

"You get setbacks as a player and the worst is getting a serious injury when you have just joined a new club, but these things can make you stronger and hopefully that will be the case with Kieran."

Keane's frustration after Saturday's 7-1 drubbing at Everton has at least been tempered by the fact Kenwyne Jones looks almost certain to play against Derby.

Jones, a £6m buy that already looks a bargain, has been struggling with a rib injury sustained at Goodison Park. He is, however, thought to have recovered and is available at this stage.

With the powerful forward almost certain to start, he could have a new strike partner against the Rams.

Keane has said changes will be made after the dreadful showing at Everton.

Although there are also likely to be changes to the defence and midfield, Michael Chopra could be one of those to make way after failing to score in his last 13 outings. Andrew Cole is standing by.

Meanwhile, young Sunderland goalkeeper Jak Alnwick has followed in his elder brother Ben's footsteps by being called up to the England Under- 16s.

The 14-year-old has already played for Sunderland Under- 18s and he is hoping to start for his country in tonight's Victory Shield decider with Scotland at Falkirk.