SUNDERLAND manager Peter Reid, ready to launch his troops into the first of nine pre-season friendlies against Calais Racing Union tonight, is delighted to have a clean bill of health after a week's rigorous training in Northern France.

Only Scottish B international Alex Rae is still on the casualty list - but making rapid progress - and the Wearside boss admits he is in a much better frame of mind than he was a year ago.

Reid said at his squad's training camp at Le Touquet: "I couldn't be happier.

"This time a year ago we had all sorts of problems -Stefan Schwarz, Gavin McCann, Kevin Phillips, Niall Quinn and Alex Rae were all out through injury.

"The fact that we haven't got the same kind of problems is one of the reasons I'm so pleased with the way things have gone.

"This time we have a clean bill of health, except for Alex Rae, who is doing well in his rehab and is on his way back. Unlike last year some of our key players will get a full pre-season under their belts and it will make a massive difference."

Reid is particularly pleased that Phillips, who blamed missing the training build up in France before the start of last season for his indifferent start, is raring to go, having reported back a couple of weeks before his clubmates just to make sure of his fitness.

Reid said: "Kevin Phillips missed pre-season last year and he was always playing catch-up - and if you do miss out of the pre-season build-up it is very hard to catch up."

Reid added: "The players have looked in great shape over the last week and the way they've returned from the summer break is very encouraging.

"I'm happy with the way things are going - and we still have five top-class players to add to the squad for the rest of the build-up."

Quinn has stayed behind on Wearside to give his back injury further time to clear, while winger Kevin Kilbane and Argentinian teenagers Julio Arca and Nicolas Medina have been given extended breaks following their international duties during the summer.

Reid said: "When everyone comes back into contention we're going to have excellent competition for places. I'm still looking to strengthen the squad but it would be wrong to underestimate the quality that we already have here; and a lot of the lads are young and still improving."

Young striker David Bellion, signed on a free transfer from AS Cannes, rejoined the Sunderland squad yesterday after spending a few days at home on a family matter and will come into contention tonight at the Stade Julien Denis.

Sunderland have a squad of 21 players in France and it is expected that most will be involved in tonight's game against the 1999 French Cup finalists.

* Stan Collymore last night took another step towards reviving his career with First Division Wolves.

The 30-year-old striker, who announced his retirement from the game in March, met Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey at a Birmingham hotel.

''We had a very good meeting and agreed to talk again very soon,'' Moxey revealed.

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