Niall Quinn yesterday pinpointed a Sunderland youngster who is equipped to make a massive impact this season.

Striker Michael Reddy appeared eight times in the Premiership as a substitute last season; now Quinn is convinced that he's about to emerge as an important member of Peter Reid's squad.

Quinn said: "Michael has been the surprise package in the build-up. He's come back looking extremely sharp and has been flying in training."

Reddy, who scored at Middlesbrough last season, has been rated as a marvellous prospect by Sunderland since he was signed from Kilkenny for £30,000.

Now his pace and scoring instincts have been complemented by a extra body strength - and Quinn is impressed.

"Michael's obviously been on the weights," said Quinn.

"He's a lot stronger and is learning the game all the time."

Reddy's first-team prospects will continue to be limited if Kevin Phillips stays fit, but he appears to have edged ahead of Milton Nunez in Reid's thinking.

Sunderland are in action tonight against amateur outfit Alpeldoornse Boys and meet Heerenveen on Saturday when injured stars Phillips, Steve Bould and Nicky Summerbee could be available.

lNewcastle United are to hold back around 2,500 seats for general sale for each Premiership match to allow fans who cannot afford season tickets, to see their heroes.

Around 2,000 of the allocation will be reserved for supporters on a first-come first-served basis, with a further 500 available in corporate packages.

No fewer than 41,000 ordinary season ticket holders will crowd into the newly-refurbished 52,000 all-seater St James' Park this season with a further 4,000 places being taken by corporate clients who have purchased packages for the entire campaign.

United must make 3,000 tickets available for away supporters and the remainder will be taken up by club officials and complimentary seats.

Meanwhile Newcastle include Steve Harper, Steve Howey and Stephen Glass for their clash against Northern League Durham City tonight at New Ferens Park.

Durham will include former Darlington star David Hunt, as well as ex Hartlepool quartet John Tinkler, Gus DiLella, Stuart Brightwell and Stuart Irvine