REJUVENATED Marcus Stewart has been told there are at least three more years of goals in him - by the man charged with deciding the Sunderland striker's future in the summer.

Manager Mick McCarthy knows the forward is out of contract at the end of the season, when the Black Cats will be able to offload the player's Premiership wages for free if they choose.

But Stewart's form in front of goal in recent weeks - he has averaged a goal every other game since December 28 - has led to his boss hailing his performances.

The 32-year-old now has nine goals to his name, after Saturday's winner against Sheffield United, and his availability in July is sure to alert a host of clubs.

Last summer there were few takers for Stewart and one move in particular broke down when Bristol City baulked at the wage demands. Stewart could still stay on Wearside next season if he is prepared to take a pay cut but a lot depends on whether Sunderland reclaim Premiership status.

"Stew's been brilliant," said McCarthy.

"His performances over the past six weeks have been as good as any since he has been here.

"To see him getting an ovation like he did against Shefield United was fantastic.

"I am happy to let things go at the moment as far as his contract goes but he has two or three years left in him yet, that's for sure.

"At the start of the season he thought he would have gone but all of those things were out of my control.

"I told him when he did come back that if he was the best player he would be in my team.

"During the past six weeks he's been the best striker we have had.

"Stewart knows the score. He's old enough and wise enough. He's playing for his contract, whether that be here or somewhere else. He is impressing me as he has been impressing everyone else. We just need to let him enjoy it."

There may be no question marks over Stewart's involvement in the FA Cup fourth-round tie at Everton this afternoon but McCarthy does have a dilemma in defence.

With skipper Gary Breen (knee) and Steve Caldwell (calf) back in training this week they are pushing Danny Collins and Neill Collins hard for the two centre-back places.

The Collins have performed exceptionally in Sunderland's last two matches, keeping clean sheets in Championship games with the Blades and Derby County.

Danny's reward was a call-up to Welsh international squad for the first time and McCarthy is backing Neill to work his way into the Scotland squad in the not too distant future.

"I'm delighted for Danny. You don't leave Chester and come to Sunderland and become an international overnight," said McCarthy, a former defender with Millwall, Celtic and the Republic of Ireland.

"His namesake shouldn't have to wait too long before he gets a call up for Scotland either.

"If I was Walter Smith, just starting in charge of my country, I would be looking at bringing in new players, young players, and Steve Caldwell is included in that."

McCarthy is relishing the opportunity to take his promotion-seeking squad to high-flying Premiership opponents this afternoon - and he has told his men they have nothing to be afraid of.

He believes Everton have every intention to go far in the FA Cup, after climbing to fourth in the top-flight, but said: "The pressure is on them.

"I don't think there's anything to worry about going there.

"They are fourth in the Premiership and must be looking at the FA Cup as a trophy that is winnable.

"A Championship side for them is a winnable tie but we have beaten one Premiership side already and we are confident."

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