Kieran Richardson

By The Black Cats
January 31 2009

Kieran Richardson, the hero of Sunderland's derby win over Newcastle in October, is ready to play in Sunday's Tyne-Wear showdown at St. James' Park. The former Manchester United man scored a great free-kick when the sides met at the Stadium of Light earlier this season. It gave Sunderland their first home derby win over Newcastle for nearly 30 years and sparked a mass party on Wearside.

Richardson, one of Sunderland's top performers this season, has missed the last three games with an ankle injury but is fit to play against the Magpies this Sunday (1.30pm).

Boss Ricky Sbragia said: "Kieran is OK. He could have possibly played against Fulham but we wanted to give him a few more days training. He's training with the rest of the first-team now."

Richardson described his winner in the Wear-Tyne derby as "one of the best moments of my career".

He added: "It meant so much to the people and so much to the club, it was a special moment. It would be fantastic if we could do the double over Newcastle this season.

"We know how important the game is for the suporters and it's an important game for us."