Mick McCarthy has praised the front pairing of Marcus Stewart and Stephen Elliot by saying they are the best front two in the Championship. Stewart and Elliott have scored a total of 21 goals between them this season and combined to produce the Black Cats' winner against Sheffield United at the weekend.

 

 

Marcus Stewart says he would like to play one more season in the Premiership if Sunderland were to go up this season. Stewy, who had a goal drought earlier on in the season has been scoring in recent games and his confidence has grown....long may it continue!

 

 

Mick has praised Carl Robinson who took part in Sunderland's cup win over Palace last weekend. Carl robinson returned from injury not so long before last weeks match. McCarthy has said that Carl Robinson makes the team play and is always involved.....I've got a funny feeling that several fans might disagree with that.....

 

 

Sunderland have been drawn away to Everton in the 4th round of the FA cup. This should be another test of Sunderland's ability to cope with premiership opposition. It isn't the kind of draw in which you would like if you want to stroll to the latter stages, yet, it will hopefully be a good game.......

 

 

Stephen Caldwell hopes to put Sunderland's poor festive period behind with a good performance against Crystal Palace on Saturday where the Scotsman will make his FA Cup debut. SAFC have picked up just one point from two games this year and as a result find themselves adrift of Ipswich and Wigan, who beat Wolves last night.

 

 

Mattew Piper, who is now set to be match fit, and in McCarthy's plans, hopes to be one of the 'main' players in boosting Sunderland's chances of promotion. However, when Lawrence is fit, there will be hefty competition as to who plays. They'll both be kept on their toes.

 

 

Mick McCarthy has invited Bohemians striker Stephen Ward for a trial which will commence on the 5th of January. Stephen Ward who is 18, is down to be at Sunderland for a duration of a week.

 

 

Sunderland could be without Carl Robbo and Liam 'westlife' Lawrence for the trip to Preston on New Year's day, who both appear to have gathered injuries at Forest. Gary Breen is also hurt but is likely to be in the team on Saturday.

 

 

Michal Bridges has signed a permanent contract at SAFC which will keep him here until June 2005. The 26 year old striker joined Sunderland for a second time in September, signing a three-month loan deal with a view to staying at the club. He has agreed to extend his contract until June 2005, with an option of a further year.

 

 

Michael Bridges and Julio Arca have warned the top teams (Wigan and Ipswich) to watch their backs, and that its only a matter of time before Sunderland are in the auto promotion places.

 

 

Gary Breen has signed a new contract which will expire in 2006. Gary Breen is delighted that the deal is confirmed and is firmly concentrated on Sunderland's push for promotion.

 

 

Birmingham City have recalled central midfielder Darren Carter after his successful loan spell at Sunderland.Carter's three-month deal was due to expire after the Black Cats' game at Cardiff on Saturday, and Mick McCarthy was keen to extend it for the remainder of the season.

 

 

Mick McCarthy is set to appeal against Stephen Caldwell's sending off in Saturday's match against West Ham. Caldwell has been accused of stamping on West Ham's Luke Chadwick in an attempt to grab the ball back.

 

 

John Oster is set to stay on at Leeds by extending his loan deal for a further month. The out of favour SAFC winger's loan deal is set to expire at the end of the week, however, Kevin Blackwell has been in touch with Mick McCarthy about extending until the beginning of January.