Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy is taking a look at former Republic of Ireland and Millwall striker Richard Sadlier, who retired through injury more than two years ago.

Sadlier announced his retirement in September 2003 at the age of just 24 because of a hip injury.

But having consulted the same American specialist as Sunderland striker Kevin Kyle, who has been out with hip trouble for 17 months, Sadlier is pondering a possible comeback in the north-east.

McCarthy explained: "Sadlier is still here with a view to getting him fit and he's progressing very quickly with his training. We will get him out there and take a view on signing him. We will see when he's fit.

"He was a very good player who is trying to come back and if he gets back playing and gets fit, you weigh things up. It's open-ended at the moment. We are having a look. He could be a very very good player."

The Dublin-born player scored 41 goals in 165 appearances for Millwall and was once touted as an international replacement for former Sunderland favourite Niall Quinn.

However, two hip operations in 18 months meant he won only one international cap and forced him to admit defeat in his attempt to overcome the injury.

PA