MICK McCARTHY has demanded a rule change following Sunderland's failure to persuade striker Clyde Wijnhard to stay on trial on Wearside.

The former Leeds and Huddersfield forward has been training with the Black Cats, but has left the club after failing to convince McCarthy to gamble on him.

Sunderland were not allowed to take a look at the 30-year-old in match action, as rules stipulate that no overseas trialist can play in reserves matches unless he has been registered.

But, had Wijnhard officially become a member of McCarthy's playing staff, the Dutchman would not have been allowed to play for another club this summer had a permanent move to the Stadium of Light broken down.

And it is that rule that McCarthy, still searching for a new striker to boost his side's Championship bid, believes needs to change.

"Clyde came in and trained but we can't play them (trialists) in the reserves," said the disappointed Sunderland manager.

"This is a multi-national league so why don't we make a rule that allows clubs to play them in the reserves' league.

"The trialists can't come here and show me what they can do when they are not allowed to play. I'm not going to sign Clyde on seeing him on the training field and now he has gone off to look at his other irons in the fire."

McCarthy insists he is not alone in wanting to have the rules changed and he suggested that it would be of benefit to everyone if FIFA decided to change things.

"I'm sure it was put in place to protect him but why can we change it to help me, players and clubs. Paul Hart (Barnsley boss) agrees with me," said McCarthy. "If Clyde can play games for people then he might get a job but he can't because he can't come and play.

"From the player's point of view I think it's restricting him instead of protecting him. There's no money changing hands and I don't understand it."

Wijnhard, who has spent the past two seasons at Preston and Oldham, is the latest in a growing list of strikers who McCarthy has inquired about but not signed.

David Connolly, Nathan Blake, Mark Burchill, Kenny Miller and Michael Chopra are among those to have been targeted and McCarthy remains keen on bolstering his attacking ranks.

Meanwhile, striker Kevin Kyle had an injection on a hip injury yesterday and will train today ahead of tomorrow's long trip to Plymouth.

Kyle's fitness is a massive boost to McCarthy who looks like having most of his injury concerns available for the match with the Pilgrims.

Goalkeeper Mart Poom trained again yesterday and is pushing to replace Thomas Myhre in goal after recovering from a back problem.

While Stephen Wright (toe), Steve Caldwell (groin), Jeff Whitley (calf) and John Oster (shin splints) are all expected to travel to Home Park after shaking off their respective injuries.

Full-back George McCartney has not shrugged off a calf strain in time but is expected to return to training next week.

* Sunderland are urging supporters to buy tickets for Tuesday's Carling Cup match with Chester in advance. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.

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