SUNDERLAND'S latest young star Chris Brown has revealed how he has no intention of allowing the supersub tag to stick - despite manager Mick McCarthy continually using the 20-year-old as an impact player.

The striker grabbed his sixth goal of the season on Saturday, coming off the bench against Coventry to ensure the Black Cats stretched their winning run to six games.

The youngster has started only eight games this season - making a further 25 appearances as substitute - but he now believes he is ready to stake his claim for a starting spot.

"He (McCarthy) said I have more of an impact as a substitute but I don't want to be known as a supersub, I want to get in the team like everyone else," said Brown, who scored ten goals last season while on loan at Doncaster.

"It was very important I scored on Saturday. The game was evenly poised when I came on so it was good to make a difference."

Brown's goal was a fitting way to mark the extended contract he signed at the Stadium of Light last week, and he admitted the uncertainty over his long-term future was beginning to cause him concern.

He said: "I think it's more frustrating (being out of the team) when you're doing well.

"I go through times when I'm not feeling 100 per cent - not physically, but in terms of sharpness in front of goal.

"I don't think the uncertainty over my contract helped, but now that's sorted out I can concentrate fully on playing."

Last weekend saw the Black Cats open a five-point gap between themselves and third-placed Ipswich with just seven games remaining.

Their recent run has seen them move above both Wigan and the Tractor Boys, but according to Brown the current international break could well prove a blessing in disguise - despite coming at a time when he was looking to break into the first team.

He said: "I think you make it (international break) into a good thing. You get refreshed so when you come back you're eager to play.

"You want to make sure that things don't slip. The break will be good - but it's frustrating for me."

l Defender George McCartney sat out Northern Ireland's opening training session yesterday. McCartney suffered a groin injury in the game against Coventry at the weekend and was allowed to rest by manager Lawrie Sanchez.

* Kevin Kyle's return from a long-standing hip injury has been put on hold after he was pulled out of last night's reserve team game against Nottingham Forest .

* Marnardy Sidibe has insisted he is staying with Gillingham to help their battle with relegation.

The Mali international, 25, has attracted interest from Sunderland, Wigan and Sheffield United and also Ipswich with some eye-catching displays.

Sidibe said: "I really want to concentrate on keeping Gillingham up."

All the clubs were expected to make a deadline day swoop on Thursday.