Peter Reid yesterday described as "vital" the development of a soccer academy at Sunderland.

The club yesterday announced details of revamped plans for the academy, at Whitburn Moor, to include an indoor training 'barn,' hostel and community classroom.

Boss Reid underlined the importance of the state-of-the-art facility to Sunderland's long-term future in attracting young players.

On top of that, only clubs with academy status can play in the FA Premier Under-17 and Under-19 leagues, crucial to the development of young talent.

Reid said: "We I came here six years ago we didn't have enough good young players coming through the system, but our Academy has enabled us to start to develop top class youths.

"It's vital we develop players to feed into the first team squad. We already have Grant Leadbitter and Dan Smith playing for England at Under-16 level, Patrick Collins and Lewis Dodds at Under-17 and Ben Clark at Under-19.

"I need all the ammunition I can get to help me attract the best young players to Sunderland and ensure they gain the best experience. Having Academy status is critical to this."

Reid is also anxious to improve the club's training facilities, which will be used by the professionals and students.

He added: "We could have five or six internationals involved in the World Cup finals next summer and this demonstrates just how far the club has progressed in the last few years.

"Although this is a great achievement I need world class training facilities to help me build on this, and attract world class stars to Sunderland."

Chairman Bob Murray promised: "When it is completed the Academy of Light will be the best football training facility in the UK."

Sunderland hope to submit a planning application by the end of January.

Meanwhile Reid is likely to restore Niall Quinn to the starting line-up against Everton tomorrow using Kevin Phillips as a lone forward at Southampton.

And Julio Arca is hoping to win a recall after being rested last weekend following a run of 14 consecutive games.

Arca said: "The manager has some tough decisions to make on team selection. There is increased competition for places. Defeat at Southampton was disappointing and we have to try and put things right against Everton."

Emerson Thome has been given the all clear for Sunderland's hectic festive programme after being told he won't require further surgery on a knee injury.

It's an early Christmas present for Reid following fears that the Brazilian defender could face a second operation on the problem which ruled him out for six weeks earlier this season.

The £4.5m former Chelsea centre-back has been given the green light to resume training and comes into contention for tomorrow's game.

Reid said: "We'll see how it goes but at the moment it's looking good for him.