MICK McCARTHY has saluted the 'bargain buys' who have helped Sunderland to within a whisker of automatic promotion to the Premiership.

The Black Cats boss has worked on a shoe-string since he took over from Howard Wilkinson two years ago and has been unable to splash silly money on star names.

But those who have been drafted in have all had important parts to play in Sunderland's rise up the Championship table, and the manager's hope is for that to continue.

Last summer McCarthy paid small fees for lower league starlets Liam Lawrence, from Mansfield, and Dean Whitehead, from Oxford United.

Dumbarton defender Neill Collins and Chester City namesake Danny Collins have since arrived along with Stockport County winger Andy Welsh.

There were also the additions of Premiership reserve team players Stephen Elliott from Manchester City, Manchester United's Mark Lynch and Newcastle's Steve Caldwell. Gary Breen and Jeff Whitley arrived on free transfers the previous year.

All of those, admittedly some more than others, have been involved in Sunderland's climb to the top of the table with just four games remaining.

McCarthy said: "Whether you say they were bargain buys or not doesn't matter, all I know is that I brought in the best talent that was available to me.

"Steve Caldwell was a free and Gary Breen was a free the year before. I spent a bit of money on the likes of Stephen Elliott, and Dean Whitehead but they have all been superb.

"They have been great from the first day they walked in. They have been great signings but instead of giving the manager credit for bringing them in the credit should go to the players.

"It's been nice to see them playing their parts and becoming such big members of the squad. They have all contributed to making the team spirit what it is."

Sunderland lost for the first time at the Stadium of Light this year to Reading on Saturday - a defeat that has re-ignited the promotion race with Wigan and Ipswich still in touch with the leaders.

Sunderland travel to East Anglia on Sunday and they may be without goalkeeper Thomas Myhre.

Myhre had to be replaced by Michael Ingham at half-time because of a back injury against Reading and, with Mart Poom already sidelined, inexperienced Ingham and Ben Alnwick may be asked to fill in at Portman Road.

If Sunderland are to maintain their placing at the top of the pile one man hoping to get his hands on a medal is Darren Carter.

The Birmingham City midfielder spent three months on loan in the North-East but was recalled by Steve Bruce in December.

But Carter hopes his ten appearances for Sunderland will be sufficient to earn him a medal. The Football League stipulate that players must have played 12 games to qualify and they issue 16 to each club, although they can apply for extras.

Carter said: "It would be fantastic to win a medal and I am really rooting for Sunderland. It would be my first medal since the one I got for helping Birmingham to win the play-off final against Norwich at Cardiff three years ago.

"If Sunderland win the title I'll be straight on the phone to Mick McCarthy."

* Season ticket holders are reminded that the deadline for renewals is this Friday, April 15. Renew now to secure a price freeze for a sixth year.

Read more about Sunderland here.