CLINTON Morrison last night dealt Sunderland a transfer blow by claiming that he had no intention of leaving Birmingham this summer.

With Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy desperate to sign a new striker after releasing Marcus Stewart last week, the Republic of Ireland international had emerged as his number one target.

Morrison, who has spent most of the season on the fringe of the Blues' first-team squad, recently hinted that he would leave St Andrews unless he was guaranteed more action next term.

But, after featuring in his side's 1-0 defeat at Norwich last weekend, the former Crystal Palace frontman has insisted he is willing to fight for his place at Birmingham.

"I've said along that I want to stay," claimed Morrison, who played under McCarthy during the manager's time with Ireland. "When the gaffer's signing players like 'Afro Man' - Jermaine Pennant, who was brilliant again - that's good for the strikers.

"When things like that are happening, and he's going to bring some more quality in during the summer, I want to be part of it. I want to play regularly as well."

As well as a striker, McCarthy is also expected to sign a central midfielder this summer and sources in Scotland suggest he is lining up a bid for Celtic's Neil Lennon.

Chief scout Dave Bowman has made a number of visits to Parkhead in the last month, and Lennon is understood to be the player arousing his interest.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month and, while McCarthy has spent the last 12 months signing untried youngsters, it would be no surprise to see him bring in one or two older hands to supplement his squad this summer.

The same Scottish sources have credited McCarthy with an interest in Hibernian striker Derek Riordan.

The 22-year-old, who is one of the hottest prospects in Scottish football after scoring 22 goals this season, has one year remaining on his current deal, but Hibs boss Tony Mowbray insists he is yet to receive formal confirmation of Sunderland's interest.

"If there are stories like that doing the rounds then no-one has contacted me about it," said the former Middlesbrough defender.

"Loads of clubs are watching him (Riordan) but if there is any interest my phone will ring. It hasn't yet.

"I want all of our players to be as successful as they can and I hope they will do that here. I hope they can achieve as much as they want to achieve in the game.

"There will come a time when ambition might take them elsewhere, but they are only focused on Hibs for now."