SUNDERLAND are set to offer James McClean an improved contract that will reflect the giant strides he has taken in the last two months.

Black Cats officials have paved the way for discussions that should result in a new deal for the Irish midfielder, who has exploded into the first team under Martin O'Neill.

McClean has started all ten of Sunderland's matches since the turn of the year, and the Wearsiders are keen to reward him for his impressive performances.

When the 22-year-old was signed by Steve Bruce last summer, he was initially regarded as a development player.

His current contract reflects his previous status as a reserve-team performer, even though his recent displays have transformed him into an integral part of the first-team squad.

There is no formal requirement for Sunderland to re-negotiate his deal, but they are expected to do so after being hugely impressed with McClean's progress this season.

While Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni continues to snub the winger, excluding him from his squad for this month's friendly with Czech Republic, O'Neill could not be happier with McClean's development.

The Sunderland boss will spend the next few days plotting a revenge mission ahead of Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie with Arsenal, having watched his side suffer a 2-1 defeat to the Gunners on Saturday.

He will also have to make a decision on the future of Ryan Noble, with Derby boss Nigel Clough hoping to extend the youngster's loan spell at Pride Park.

Noble's current deal is due to expire in the wake of this evening's Championship game with Reading, but Clough is hoping to delay his return to the Stadium of Light.

Noble has made two senior appearances for the Rams, who are seven points adrift of the play-off places.

"We are going to have a chat with both Ryan and Sunderland in the next day or so and see where the land lies," said Clough. "It is important to know what Ryan is thinking and Sunderland control the situation because he is their player.

"They have a few injuries up front at the moment so they may want him back up there, we will have to wait and see. We would like to keep him around the place if we can as you can't have enough strikers and options to call upon."

* Sunderland have announced replay details in the event of Saturday's FA Cup tie with Arsenal ending in a draw.

With the Gunners facing a packed schedule because of their European commitments, and no domestic games allowed in an international week, a replay, if required, will take place on Tuesday, February 21 (7.45pm) just three days after the original tie.

Tickets will be on sale from 10am-3pm on Sunday, February 19 and 9am-7pm on Monday, February 20 at the Stadium of Light ticket office. Supporters can also call 0191 5515004 during the same hours, but all tickets ordered by telephone will have to be personally collected outside the Emirates Stadium.