Mick up for challenge

Mick McCarthy said he is relishing the huge task of trying to keep Sunderland in the Premiership after being unveiled as their new manager today.

The club are seven points adrift of safety and turned to the former Republic of Ireland boss after sacking Howard Wilkinson and his assistant Steve Cotterill on Monday.

McCarthy, 44, said today: "I'm excited to be joining Sunderland and am up for the challenge.

"This is a great club and it deserves success.

"I am absolutely determined to try to keep Sunderland in the Premiership. It would be a remarkable achievement to do that.

"I am not saying I am going to keep them up but I am going to try.

"When I told my pals about the job every response from them was good. This is a great opportunity.

"I will be under pressure on Saturday (against Bolton) - no question. However, I would sooner be under pressure here than other places."

McCarthy has only managed one other club - Millwall between 1991 and 1996 - and has signed a rolling contract. Ian Evans, McCarthy's No2 with Ireland, will be his assistant at Sunderland.

Club chairman Bob Murray, the man who appointed Wilkinson, was ill and not at today's press conference.