BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness was today handed a major injury boost ahead of Saturday's clash at Sunderland with influential duo Stig Bjornebye and Tugay both declaring themselves fit for the trip to the North East.

Turkish midfield ace Tugay is in line for his Premier League debut after shaking off a niggling thigh strain.

And Norwegian defender Bjornebye is now fit again after missing Rovers' 2-1 win against Spurs with a hamstring strain.

News of the duo's return has been warmly welcomed by Souness as he puts the finishing touches to his preparations.

But he will leave Black Cats boss Peter Reid guessing about his starting line-up right up until kick-off as he weighs up whether or not to give Tugay a Premiership baptism of fire.

"It's a great boost to have Tugay back and I can't wait to see him play in the Premier League because he's going to be a big asset to us," said Souness.

"Obviously, he's not match fit at the moment because he hasn't played a game for us yet.

"So whether or not he starts or we leave him on the bench is something Peter Reid will have to guess."

With defender Craig Short already absent through suspension, the return of Bjornebye is crucial with Martin Taylor likely to be pressed into central defensive duties alongside Henning Berg.

Italian striker Ciccio Grabbi should also be fit to return upfront after limping out of the victory over Spurs with a sciatica problem.

Sunderland boss Peter Reid today conceded that Thomas Sorensen is struggling to be fit to face Rovers at the Stadium of Light.

With second choice stopper Jurgen Macho also out with a thigh injury, Reid has stepped up his efforts to bring in a loan goalkeeper.

And the Black Cats boss has confirmed that former French international Bernard Lama is one of the goalkeepers he is looking at.

Lama, 38, who joined West Ham on loan in 1998 and made 12 Premiership appearances, has won 44 caps for France and is out of contract after leaving Rennes in the summer.