DEAN Whitehead has pledged to break his goalscoring record after admitting that Sunderland's promotion hopes could hinge on how many goals they score from midfield.

The 22-year-old was on target in Sunday's 2-0 win at Derby, with his close-range finish keeping the Black Cats within five points of table-toppers Ipswich.

That success was his third of the season following earlier strikes at Rotherham and Cardiff but, despite turning in a series of impressive displays over the last two months, Whitehead has not been happy with his relative lack of goals.

The former Oxford midfielder scored seven last season and, with just over a third of the season still to go, has not given up hope of bettering that tally this term.

Stephen Elliott might have grabbed three in his last five games, but Whitehead accepts that Sunderland cannot rely on their latest striking star to shoot them into the Premiership on his own.

"I still feel I can do much more in front of goal," said the youngster, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Friday. "Three goals is a start but I'm aiming for seven or eight before the end of the season.

"Last year I scored seven and to go one better in this league would be a major step forward.

"We're all encouraged to go for goal and it's vital that we chip in with our fair share from midfield.

"It takes the pressure off the strikers and it's great for confidence. We're all capable of finding the back of the net so there are no excuses.

"At the end of the season the goals we score from midfield could make the difference between an automatic promotion spot or a play-off place. It's that important."

Few Sunderland fans knew anything about Whitehead when he made a £150,000 move from Oxford's Kassam Stadium last summer.

But, like a number of Mick McCarthy's basement buys, the youngster has blossomed at a higher level.

Elliott has been a revelation since leaving Manchester City's reserves, while Liam Lawrence has enjoyed his share of the headlines thanks to his flamboyant style.

Yet it is Whitehead who has made 29 appearances and squeezed the likes of the dependable Jeff Whitley out of the side.

"I've been with Sunderland for six months now," he said. "And I'm feeling a lot more comfortable.

"I've adjusted to Championship football and I feel confident I can make further progress between now and the summer.

"My target this season was to play the odd game and find my feet at a big club. I've achieved more than I expected in a short space of time but I have noticed some big differences.

"Here, if I allow my form to dip, I'll be out of the team. There's so much competition, especially in midfield, that I can't allow my standards to slip.

"I was concerned that fatigue might be a problem for me at this stage of the season after making the step up.

"Physically I feel fine but, mentally you do have to stay alert in the Championship. Players in this league get that extra sharpness from what they know."

Meanwhile, Julio Arca expects to be firing on all cylinders when Sunderland entertain fellow promotion hopefuls Sheffield United on Saturday.

The Argentinian, who missed recent home games with Gillingham and Crystal Palace with a knee problem, was also expected to sit out last weekend's trip to Derby.

But, after passing a late fitness test, he lasted the full 90 minutes as the Black Cats earned a valuable 2-0 win.

Arca admits he was not at his best at Pride Park but, with another week of training under his belt, the left winger is confident of producing a more polished display this weekend.

"I was not at 100 per cent," he said. "I felt a bit tired and stiff but that is probably normal after missing a couple of games.

"Fingers crossed things will be okay and I will be back to my sharpest against Sheffield United."