MICHAEL BRIDGES is a relieved man - after being accepted by the Sunderland fans once again.

It was thought the 26-year-old striker would face a hostile reception from Black Cats' fanatics after admitting he was a Newcastle United supporter and snubbing a move back to Wearside over the summer in favour of Premier League Bolton Wanderers.

But after taking to the pitch with only nine minutes to go in Sunderland's Coca Cola Championship clash against former club Leeds United on Friday evening, all his fears were allayed.

"I was delighted with the reception I got at Elland Road when I came on," said the North Shields born forward. "And that was from the die-hard fans who go week-in and week-out. So if I can win them over we'll take it from there. I'm now looking forward to the reception at the Stadium of Light."

Bridges, who confessed he never wanted to leave Sunderland, eventually did so after failing to break-up the successful Niall Quinn and Kevin Philips' partnership five years ago; and that was despite hitting the net 21 times in 41 starts.

David O'Leary snapped up the former fans' favourite in a £5m deal and initially things went well for him in his first full season in west Yorkshire, scoring 19 goals in only 34 appearances, before his career became plagued by injury.

Move to home town club Newcastle and Bolton did not pan out the way Bridges planned and he returned for his second spell on Wearside on Thursday after signing a three-month loan deal from Wanderers.

The transfer will become permanent until the end of the season when the loan ends in December.

He said: "The move came out of the blue. But as soon as I had a chat with Mick (McCarthy) that was it and I wanted to get things done and dusted as soon as possible.

"When I was first here there was so many people who looked after me and it was a chance to come back and try and rekindle that.

"I spoke to the gaffer in the summer about coming here but I also had the option to go to Bolton and it was the chance to play in the Premiership that grabbed me at the time.

"I went to Bolton with high hopes but they hadn't signed Les Ferdinand and El-Hadji Diouf at the time and I found myself in pre-season games playing in the wide right position; which a lot of Sunderland fans will tell you is not my best position.

"But I don't have any regrets about going to Bolton and I don't regret coming here and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"I was here for five years before. The first season we got promoted; second season relegated; third season we just missed out on promotion, and the season after that we got promoted again.

"Every year I have been here something has happened; so promotion is possible this season and I'm delighted to be here and be part of that.

"I'm in a better physical shape now than when I was in my first season at Leeds United. I just need few more 90 minutes under my belt and things will come."

McCarthy revealed his delight at finally sealing the Bridges' deal after a four-month pursuit but says this evening's game against Sheffield United has come too early for his new signing.

He said: " I thought it was important to bring someone else in while we were doing well to give us a lift. There is no question Michael can play but I think he's still some way away from being fully match fit but I'm pleased we have him."

Meanwhile, the Black Cats' boss hailed his side's defence as they travel to Bramall Lane in search of their fifth successive Championship win.

He said: "A huge part of our success has been down to the back four and Mart Poom, because before we looked like conceding goals.

"The partnership of Breeny and Caldwell has settled down now and that gives us a base from which to play. They've been a massive part in the last four results.

"The atmosphere at the Leeds game away on Friday night was terrific. I said before the game I was looking forward to it as it's one of those games, and so is Sheffield United. Our fans were fantastic and I'm looking for the same again tonight.

"Nobody will be taking Sheffield United lightly because it is one of the big games of the Championship calendar. But a repeat of last season's 1-0 result will do nicely.

"On the back of the performances we've had Sheffield United won't be relishing us visiting them but they'll be looking forward to it."

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