HOWARD Wilkinson cast doubt last night over the Sunderland future of Nicolas Medina - the £3.5m midfielder who has not made a senior appearance for the club, 18 months after they signed him.

As Medina voiced his hope that Wilkinson would allow the midfielder to play for Argentina in three friendlies in February, the Sunderland manager admitted he remains unconvinced that the 20-year-old is good enough for the Premiership.

Wilkinson said: "The evidence suggests that Nicolas hasn't got it because the previous manager didn't pick him.

"Then again, I haven't seen a fit Nicolas Medina in the flesh other than against Hull a couple of weeks ago."

Wilkinson is yet to give Medina permission to link up with the Argentina squad for the friendlies against Honduras, Mexico and the United States.

The Stadium of Light boss added: "I've had a word with Nicolas about it. It's not a FIFA competition."

Medina is keen to represent his country, who would require his services for nearly six weeks as they enter a training camp before the games.

He said: "I didn't expect this opportunity; it's more than I could have wished for.

"(Argentina coach) Marcelo Bielsa knows me well because I worked with him from the age of 16.

"Hopefully, the management at Sunderland will let me go because it would really help me to be with Argentina for 40 days.

"If the club says yes, I can spend New Year with my family in Argentina. I really hope I can return and wear the shirt of Argentina."

Meanwhile, Thomas Sorensen and John Oster could make shock returns for Sunderland when they visit Manchester United tomorrow.

Sorensen is "very close" to making the squad for the trip to Old Trafford, according to Wilkinson, after recovering from a dislocated elbow.

Oster is available to make his first appearance for Sunderland since March 2001 after he was recalled from Grimsby Town shortly before his loan spell was due to expire.

Wilkinson said: "John Oster should now be as match fit as you can get, having had quite a spell at Grismby.

"The reports from Grimsby have been good, and he's started a lot of games and scored some goals."

* Sunderland season ticket holders have until 3pm on January 11 to apply for tickets for the Premiership game at Tottenham Hotspur on February 8.

Fans must provide voucher 38 to buy tickets, which are priced at £30 and £25 for adults, £15 for Under-16s, and £13 for OAPs.

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