Knopper in for Black Cats

The Ajax winger was a surprise inclusion in Peter Reid's side for their prestigious friendly with World Cup-bound Republic of Ireland in Niall Quinn's testimonial match at Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening.

After being told he can leave the Amsterdam ArenA club, the 24-year-old has been handed the opportunity to impress the Wearsiders in a competitive match situation.

With Rafael van der Vaart and South African World Cup squad member Steve Pienaar ahead of Knopper in the pecking order at Ajax, Ronald Koeman decided the attacking midfielder was surplus to requirements.

The player spent eight months out through injury in 2001, and has struggled to recapture the outstanding promise he showed when breaking onto the Dutch scene in precocious fashion.

Galatasaray have previously shown an interest in the Dutch international, but Reid is having a close look at the player before deciding whether to follow up his initial interest.

Meanwhile, Ajax's Anthony Obodai has joined Germinal Beerschot in Belgium on a year's loan.