LIAM Lawrence provides irrefutable proof of Mick McCarthy's ability in the transfer market and, after helping propel Sunderland to the Premiership, the midfielder is confident his boss' dealings will keep them there.

McCarthy caused more than a few eyebrows to be raised last summer when he plucked a raft of untried youngsters from the relative obscurity of the lower leagues.

But his judgment proved to be impeccable as the likes of Lawrence, Dean Whitehead and Danny and Neill Collins played prominent roles in the Black Cats' promotion.

The former Republic of Ireland boss will need to be equally astute this summer as he looks to improve his side's chances of surviving in the top-flight.

With a likely kitty of around £6m, McCarthy will have to spend wisely if he is to capture the six new faces he has identified as crucial to Sunderland's chances of success.

But, after his summer purchases came up with the goods

Last season, Lawrence is confident McCarthy's new recruits will prove equally effective in the forthcoming campaign.

"The gaffer will have had his scouts out through the entire season," said the former Mansfield midfielder. "He will have been watching players just as he did with us young lads last year.

"I have no doubts that whoever he does bring in will be of real quality. He has shown what he can do in the transfer market by bringing in the players to get the club promoted.

"Now he has to get the players to keep Sunderland in the Premier League and I wouldn't bet against him doing that.

"When he signed all of us last summer, a lot of people weren't sure what he was doing. He has proved he knows what he is doing and that's why everyone should trust him to get it right again.

"He has put together a great set of lads at this club and I think he will build on that."

McCarthy's credentials will not be the only ones that are put to the test over the next 12 months.

Sunderland's youngsters might have flourished at Championship level but they will face a far tougher test in the top-flight.

The likes of Lawrence, Whitehead and Stephen Elliott will have to adapt to another step-up in class if they are to make a similarly positive impact in the Premiership.

"This club belongs in the Premiership and I'm looking forward to finding out whether I belong there too," said Lawrence. "I won't know until I get there but I'm confident.

"I had to prove myself in the Championship this year and I think I did that.

"Hopefully, I can do just as well again next season in the Premiership. I feel I have done well overall and the manager is pleased with me."

After a season of playing in front of a half-full Stadium of Light, Sunderland can at least be assured of a far more vociferous home support next season.

The last-day win over Stoke was Lawrence's first experience of playing in front of a sold-out stadium following his formative years at Mansfield's Field Mill.

Winning the title proved the wisdom of his move to Wearside, and the raucous response of Sunderland's fans merely underlined the vast leap of class he made last summer.

"I haven't been surprised at the response to promotion," he said. "I haven't been surprised at what a big club this is. I knew these things already and that's why I decided to join Sunderland.

"These have been the best days of my career by a mile. I hope there are a lot more to come.

"This time last year I was playing in the play-offs for Mansfield. Now I'm preparing to play in the Premiership. It has been a great year."

* League One side Bradford City are lining up a move for Michael Bridges after the striker was released by Sunderland this week. Brian Deane has also left the Black Cats.

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