Sunderland midfielder Chris Lumsdon celebrates his 21st birthday tomorrow with his career at the crossroads.

Lumsdon is back at the Stadium of Light following a successful spell on loan at Crewe, although his chances of figuring in Peter Reid plans appear slim because of the intense competition for midfield places.

However, the Newcastle-born player would have no problem establishing a first-team place elsewhere if Reid agrees to sell him.

Crewe manager Dario Gradi is desperate to set up a permanent deal for Lumsdon, who was a massive favourite with the fans at Gresty Road. Their £200,000 offer was a long way below Sunderland's valuation, though, and Gradi was unable to come up with more cash or clinch a loan deal until the end of the season.

Crewe were anxious to tie down Lumsdon because they know bigger clubs have been alerted to his form and the way he coped with First Division football.

West Brom and Wolves have been linked with the player, who faded from the picture at Sunderland after appearing in the opening game of last season at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Sunderland skipper Michael Gray has missed out on another chance to revive his international prospects.

England's new coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was famously unable to identify the Sunderland left-back on the day he was first questioned about his new appointment.

But the Swede has been given a rundown on Gray's ability and current form by his assistant Tord Grip, who was at Sunderland's recent game against Everton.

And Grip planned to take another look at Gray in the postponed Worthington Cup tie at Crystal Palace.

Gray won three caps before falling out of Kevin Keegan's squad a year ago, but Grip's report boosted his chances of a recall in a position which will present Eriksson with one of his main dilemmas.

Gray said: "You never lose you ambition to play for your country. It's one of my aims to get back into the squad."

It's believed Grip also commented favourably on striker Kevin Phillips and noted the name of midfielder Gavin McCann, who has been tipped as a future international by manager Peter Reid.

Sunderland are giving a trial to 18-year-old striker Dean Shields, who plays for Scottish First Division club Raith Rovers.

Edinbugh-born Shields is rated as one of the top young prospects in Scotland and cash-strapped Raith are prepared to sell.

Sky will televise Sunderland's rearranged Worthington Cup quarter-final at Crystal Palace's next Tuesday.

Tickets for the original date will be valid for next week, but more tickets will not be made available. Admission is available on the night. Anyone with a ticket for the postponed game unable to go to next week's game can get a refund from the ticket office.

Season ticket holders have until December 30, to buy tickets for their own seat for the home FA Cup tie with Palace on January 6.