WITH Sunderland's players due to report for the start of pre-season training this morning, Julio Arca is hoping that the next five weeks will lay the groundwork for Premiership survival, writes Scott Wilson.

The Black Cats squad will reassemble at the Academy of Light later today as they limber up for a four-game tour of North America that will begin next week.

Sunderland face a Victoria State select XI next Thursday, before also taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers.

Mick McCarthy's men went on a similar trip last summer and, ten months later, were lifting the Championship trophy.

Avoiding relegation is the target this time around and Arca knows just how crucial the pre-season programme could be to achieving that aim.

The versatile left-footer is relishing the hard work that lies ahead after recently returning from his native Argentina.

"We had a good pre-season last year and it helped us achieve what we wanted - promotion," said Arca, who was Sunderland's top-scoring midfielder last season with nine goals.

"We'll be aiming to do the same again. The work starts now and we are looking forward to a good tour to America."

This morning's training session will provide the first opportunity for Arca to meet McCarthy's five summer signings.

Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis and midfielder Tommy Miller have both arrived from Ipswich, striker Jon Stead has moved from Blackburn, full-back Nyron Nosworthy has joined the Black Cats from Gillingham and youngster Daryl Murphy has made the trip across the Irish Sea.

The quintet will all hope to press their claim for a first-team place later this week and Arca is looking forward to the increased competition.

"There will be some new faces in and I'm looking forward to meeting them," he said. "We all start afresh and it's always good to be back, even though you know it will be hard.

"We've had our break and we're raring to go. It'll be tough but we want to be as fit as possible for the new season."

McCarthy is poised to make a formal approach to teenage midfielder Martin Woods. The 19-year-old is currently out of contract at Leeds and would be able to move to the Stadium of Light for a nominal fee.

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