AS Sunderland prepare to attract their biggest league crowd in 20 months, manager Mick McCarthy believes his team have worked wonders to 'win the hearts and minds' of the stay-away fans.

For the Boxing Day battle with Leeds United, the Black Cats are expecting over 40,000 for the first time since the final game of their relegation from the Premiership against Arsenal in May last year.

The club's demise led to many supporters choosing against renewing season tickets and even last season's push to the play-offs failed to persuade some to come back - highlighted by 34,536 turning up for the second leg against Crystal Palace.

Sunderland's two campaigns in the Championship have largely seen the players perform in front of over 20,000 empty seats - a sign of the club's impressive stadium as much as the number of followers choosing to go shopping instead.

But the doubters are beginning to come back after witnessing McCarthy successfully turn the team into genuine promotion contenders this season despite having to give the squad he inherited a massive overhaul.

Out have gone experienced internationals like Jason McAteer and Phil Babb, while in have come hungry lower-league performers in the ilk of Dean Whitehead and Liam Lawrence.

McCarthy claims it is testament to his crop of 2004 that there is every chance of breaking the 40,000 barrier for the only occasion since North-East neighbours Hartlepool made the short trip to Wearside in January for an FA Cup clash.

"We had some full houses when I came here and that's all gone. I don't blame them either for everything that has gone on," said McCarthy, who yesterday completed the permanent signing of Michael Bridges from Bolton.

"It's nice for the players to be out on the pitch when there is a big crowd. It's a nice buzz but what it does mean is that the supporters are warming to the players and they have captured a few hearts and minds.

"There was a lot of apathy about the place when I first came here. Even last season there was a lot of doom and gloom, and not surprisingly.

"But what it highlights to me is that the players have earned it. They have been tremendous for me and it's good that the fans have picked up on that."

Sunday's date with Leeds United is the nearest Sunderland are going to get to a derby this season and Ipswich's 2-1 victory over Wigan in the battle of the top two on Tuesday night has kept things tight at the top.

Sunderland occupy third place, just three points adrift of the Tractor Boys and a point behind second-placed Wigan.

The former Republic of Ireland boss, who revealed goalkeeper Mart Poom will not return to action until next month after suffering a hip injury, was a keen observer as he watched the match from the comfort of his own home.

Reading are also in the thick of the promotion hunt as they sit close behind in fourth, but McCarthy insists Ipswich's lead ahead of the rest counts for very little if they are not there come May.

"Ipswich and Wigan are two good sides and they deserve to be there but we are right behind them," said McCarthy, looking for his side's first double of the season against Leeds.

"It's about how everyone looks after themselves over Christmas because we have five games in two weeks."

Centre-back Steve Caldwell returned to training on Tuesday and there is a chance that he could return to the side against the Whites, providing his hamstring injury continues to mend.

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