THOMAS MYHRE has made finding employment in the Premiership a priority following his amicable parting with Sunderland after refusing to take a pay cut.

The Black Cats confirmed this week the goalkeeper was unlikely to stay and the Norwegian revealed last night he is now looking for a new club.

Kelvin Davis' arrival from Ipswich meant Myhre's place in the starting line-up would be in doubt next season and, coupled with a contract on a reduced weekly wage, the experienced shot-stopper has decided to move on.

The 31-year-old insists his departure has not left a bitter taste in his mouth and is predicting Sunderland can make a go of life back in the top flight under Mick McCarthy.

"We had been negotiating for a while and we could not agree on new terms, which is a bit sad," said Myhre, who has been one of the highest earners at the Stadium of Light in the past couple of seasons, having been on top-flight wages in the Championship.

"I am leaving Sunderland with many happy memories. They were great times, they have a great manager and are a great club.

"All my wishes are with them in their return to the Premiership. I have not been able to sort out a new club as yet but I will be working on that over the next few weeks." Myhre is on holiday in Malaga and, as he has property in Spain, he would welcome a permanent move to that country if it meant his World Cup hopes would increase. However, although his family love the Spanish lifestyle, they are also extremely happy in England and would prefer to stay in the North-East if possible.

That means Myhre is hoping to sign for a club in the north of England, though that look unlikely as even newcomers Wigan are well equipped in the goalkeeper department.

Nevertheless, the Scandinavian has shown in the past he is more than willing to try his luck in other countries and would relish the prospect of a new challenge.

Sunderland signed Myhre from Turkish side Besiktas in July 2002 on a free transfer and he has been on the wage bill since, despite the club's best efforts to move him on.

He spent part of the 2003-04 campaign on loan at Crystal Palace but a permanent move failed to materialise.

Myhre has also had spells at Danish club Copenhagen as well as Tranmere, Birmingham, Rangers, Everton and Viking Stavanger.

Now he is on the look out for his ninth place of work and is desperate to make the right choice in a bid to keep his place in the Norway squad for Germany 2006.

Sunderland boss McCarthy has paid another of his Championship-winning squad a glowing tribute after Jeff Whitley joined Cardiff City.

McCarthy decided to let Whitley depart for pastures new after clinching promotion and the Northern Ireland midfielder has agreed to join the Bluebirds.

The Sunderland boss believes new Cardiff manager Dave Jones has captured a gem. "I spoke to Dave about him and he only comes with recommendations from me for that league," said McCarthy.

l Sunderland have revealed their new black away kit for next season.

This is the first chance to see the Black Cats' change kit by shirt manufacturers Lonsdale and is due to be released on August 11 - just two days before the new season kicks-off at home to Charlton.

The new shirt is mainly black and features red and silver panels on the sleeves, with a red strip down both sides.

The shorts are black with silver side flashes and red piping, while there are also change shorts of silver with a black side flash and red piping. The socks are black with red and silver flashes on one side.

Pre-orders, which will include a free double-sided home and away mini-kit, can be made by calling the mail order hotline on 0191 5515030 or by logging on to www.safc.com.