INDUSTRIOUS midfielder Liam Lawrence is proving a big hit on Wearside with both the Sunderland fans, and his new boss.

Lawrence, signed from Mansfield in the summer, has immediately established himself in Mick McCarthy's first team, and in just two games at the Stadium Of Light he's already developed a rapport with the home faithful.

His ability to deliver balls in from anywhere wide on the right has been missing from the Wearsiders play since the days of Nicky Summerbee.

But it's not just the attacking threat that has pleased McCarthy, it's the 22-year-old's work ethic that has earned him rave reviews.

McCarthy said: "He's a right-winger and he does a right-winger's job. He gets crosses in the box, supplies ammunition for centre-forwards and other people getting into the area.

"He also does that messy job of defending and tracking back and protecting his full-back.

"He's an intelligent footballer and I've been impressed."

Lawrence put in a man-of-the-match performance in his first start for Sunderland against Crewe a week ago, and was again the Wearsiders' star man in their disappointing 2-2 draw with Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

But he isn't the only new face who has caught the manager's eye, with Steve Caldwell and Stephen Elliott amongst the others who have also pleased the manager.

McCarthy said: "I've been impressed with all the new lads.

"I explained to all the new players beforehand 'this club finished third last season so don't just expect to walk straight into the team.

"'But if you do get into the team and if you play well you'll keep your position.'

"I've been pleased with all the lads. It's easy to sell the club to players when they come up here and see the place."

* Defender Steve Caldwell has confirmed his withdrawal from the Scotland squad for this week's friendly against Hungary.

The centre-back, whose late goal earned the Black Cats a point in the 2-2 draw against QPR on Saturday, is struggling with a groin injury.

Caldwell said: "I have had this injury for a couple of weeks. It isn't a major problem but I do think that some rest and recuperation is going to be important."

Skipper Gary Breen, meanwhile, wil join up with his Republic of Ireland team-mates for the friendly against Bulgaria tomorrow at Lansdowne Road.

* Former Sunderland loan star Stewart Downing has thanked boss McCarthy for giving him the chance to prove he was worth his place at Middlesbrough.

The 20-year-old will start for England U-21s tonight against Ukraine's youngsters and his career has blossomed at Boro since a loan spell on Wearside a year ago.

He said: "The spell at Sunderland got me my games back at Middlesbrough. I went there for experience and it helped me greatly.

"Before I went to Sunderland it was hard to get in but then I came back and found it easier. I got my chance more and that's great.

"Since then I've signed a new contract until summer 2008."

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