MICHAEL Bridges has pledged to prove Mick McCarthy wrong by battling his way back into first-team contention at the Stadium of Light, writes Scott Wilson.

The North Shields-born striker, who joined the Black Cats for a second time last September, was dumped onto the transfer list at the end of last season.

His second spell with the Wearsiders has been something of a stop-start affair, with McCarthy restricting him to just five senior starts as Sunderland romped to the Championship title.

Yet, rather than touting his services to all and sundry, Bridges has instructed his agent not to negotiate him a move away from the Stadium of Light.

Instead, the 26-year-old is determined to stay with the Black Cats as they look to establish themselves in the top-flight.

Championship side Sheffield United are understood to have approached Bridges' representatives but the striker has rebuffed their advances. An intensive summer fitness programme is already reaping its rewards and, after missing more than two full seasons with a combination of ankle and Achilles problems, Bridges is desperate to prove his worth.

While McCarthy has told the former Leeds and Newcastle frontman he does not see him as part of his long-term plans, he is expected to include Bridges in his squad for Sunderland's pre-season tour of North America.

The Black Cats leave for Canada in early July, before embarking on a four-match schedule that includes games against Victoria State, the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers.

Read more about Sunderland here.