KEVIN BALL was renowned for being an incredibly passionate Sunderland captain and, after being handed the caretaker manager's job, he wants his first skipper to instil just as much heart into a squad doomed to relegation.

With Gary Breen suspended for tomorrow's visit of Wigan, Ball's first major decision has been to hand the armband to the Irishman's replacement Steve Caldwell.

Caldwell has been out of favour because of the emergence of Danny Collins and has not played since the defeat at West Ham on February 4.

But Ball, who is prepared to give everyone a chance to prove themselves, has already made his mind up and wants Caldwell to lead the team out against the Latics.

Having captained Scotland at youth and under-21 level, and worn the Sunderland armband in Carling Cup matches, the 25-year-old knows what it takes to be a leader.

And Ball, Peter Reid's captain for the Black Cats before retiring in 1999, wants to see Caldwell illustrate his fighting qualities.

"I have spoken to Steve and have told him he will be the captain. It's an honour for him, it's an honour I loved having, and he is the type of player who will enjoy it as well," said Ball.

"The big thing on Saturday is that we have to make sure we have a right go at Wigan and we have to be totally prepared for them.

"I have not had great dealings with Steve but, with Gary being suspended, my first thought was that Steve is available and will do a good job.

"He has leadership qualities. I have known that from the day he arrived and is the right man for the job in our squad. He will lead the team in the right way and will make the right decisions."

With Breen suspended, for his ridiculous sending off at Manchester City on Sunday when he picked up a second yellow card for a goalkeeper-type dive to stop David James from starting a quick counter-attack, there is also a chance Caldwell could keep the role if things go well.

Breen is out of contract in the summer and with the exit of Mick McCarthy, who brought him to the club, his future is up in the air.

One player Ball will be looking to bring back from a loan spell at Sheffield United is Neill Collins.

He joined the Blades on February 17 and under the terms of the loan agreement for the remainder of the season he could be recalled at any time after the first 28 days.

That would suggest there is every chance he could be involved in the Sunderland squad at Bolton on March 18. Dan Smith, on loan at Huddersfield, could also return.

Ball, who will have asked close friend Martin Scott about Collins' ability after he spent the first half of the season on loan at Hartlepool, said: "It might be difficult in terms of their loan agreements and that would be unfair to the managers who have taken them.

"But I have spoken to one of them already and if I feel there is a role for them to play here they will do."

Ball's installation seems certain to have given Andy Gray a stay of execution. Gray had been expected to move to Derby or Burnley but Ball revealed: "I've got to have a look at him."

McCarthy's right-hand man Iain Evans, who has also worked with him with Ireland, Millwall and Barnsley, remains on the pay-roll at the Stadium of Light. But he is expected to depart soon.

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