MICK McCARTHY paid tribute to his loyal supporters ahead of this weekend's Boxing Day clash against Leeds United, and asked them to provide their team with a further boost by turning out in numbers.

The Black Cats' boss expected a good turnout for last weekend's 2-1 victory against Burnley; despite the last Saturday before Christmas being notoriously poor for attendances.

But even he would have been surprised when 27,102 supporters took their seats to see Sunderland's fifth win in six games - their fourth highest attendance of the campaign.

McCarthy admitted he is expecting another big crowd at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, for what is effectively the closest team the Wearsiders have for a derby game in the Coca Cola Championship.

"We always get big crowds and I expect a good crowd for the game against Leeds, and it helps us, no question about it.

"The supporters have been magnificent, especially the ones who travel away.

"And this year we have given them something to shout about with away victories, but a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to everyone of them."

Neill Collins is another looking forward to the mouth-watering clash between the Championship's best supported sides.

The 21-year-old deputised for the injured Steve Caldwell in the Black Cats' victory against Burnley on Saturday, and hardly put a foot wrong.

Collins says things couldn't have gone any better for him since his move from Scottish Division Two outfit Dumbarton but confessed, playing in front of 40,000 fans will be a new experience for him, and many of his team-mates.

"It looks like being a big crowd on Boxing Day and I for one am looking forward to it," said Collins. "Many of the lads, including me, have never played in front of that sort of crowd; but it's what you want to be in football for.

"Sunderland against Leeds is a big fixture and was being played in the Premiership not long ago. We're looking forward to it.

"Burnley was a big win for us because they were tough opposition. We said before that it would be a difficult game and it was.

"The Leeds game offers us a good chance to get another three points on the board. They have struggled a bit this season but you know they will raise their game here."

Meanwhile, Saturday's goal hero Julio Arca believes last Saturday's home victory against Burnley 'turned up the heat on top two' Wigan and Ipswich, who played last night.

He said: "We've closed the gap and we are right up there."

The Sunderland playmaker added they had nothing to fear when Leeds visit and is looking for another three points to cement their Championship challenge.

He said: "We consider every game to be winnable and are full of confidence."

Read more about Sunderland here.