STEVE CALDWELL has sympathised with the Collins partnership after manager Mick McCarthy opted for experience in a bid to strengthen Sunderland's promotion push.

During the absence of Caldwell and Gary Breen, both Neill and Danny Collins proved more than capable stand-ins as they kept two consecutive Championship clean sheets.

But McCarthy wielded the axe at Molineux last Friday, drafting both Caldwell and Breen back into the fold with the younger two making way.

The situation bares more than a similar resemblance to Caldwell's time at Newcastle United when he was only used as a stop-gap when Titus Bramble, Jonathan Woodgate and Andy O'Brien were unavailable.

But the Scot insists that manager McCarthy has kept the unfortunates happy by keeping everyone involved and he claims that way of doing things will help to keep everyone focused on promotion.

"When I was at Newcastle I didn't feel as though I was treated fairly by the manager. It didn't matter how I played in a game, I was always the one who missed out in the next one," said Caldwell.

"That becomes very difficult to take and it was why I had to get out and play for another club. It is different here, though, because we've got a fair manager. He always explains decisions to you and you know if you're in the side, you're there on merit.

"You have to have a fair manager and it's why the team spirit is so good here. We have a very good squad and it will be a set of more than 20 players, not 11, who will get this club promoted."

Neill Collins was not even named on the bench at Wolves as Sunderland earned a credible draw against a revived side under Glenn Hoddle management.

Danny Collins was a substitute, but both players are sure to feel unhappy at the way they had to step aside to allow McCarthy's first choice defensive partnership to reform.

Both the Collins' have done well since making the step up from the lower leagues, with Dumbarton and Chester City respectively, and time is on their side.

But Caldwell does feel for the pair, although he has urged them to keep working hard to make sure they remain in the manager's plans.

"I've been in the same sort of situation as Neill and Danny and it can be frustrating," said the 24-year-old. "You come into the side, play well and then other players regain fitness and come straight back in.

"I think they can both be pleased with how they've done when they've come into the side and I'm sure they will be disappointed with having to drop out again.

"But when you're in that situation you just have to get your head down, work hard, listen and learn. You have to do all you can to try to improve as a player.

"If you can do that you will get another chance. They are both young lads and they want to improve, just as I do. Their chance will come again and they have to ensure they are ready to take it."

Meanwhile, Sunderland keeper Thomas Myhre has had to pull out of Norway's friendly with Malta tomorrow after suffering a shoulder injury. He is hoping to be fit for Saturday's game with Watford.

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