PAUL Thirlwell has warned his former Sunderland teammates not to expect an easy route back to the Premiership next season.

Thirlwell is currently weighing up his options after being axed by Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy following last week's play-off semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old midfielder made almost 100 appearances after signing his first professional forms with Sunderland in 1997.

And, while he will continue to support the club he has followed since being a boy, Thirlwell expects the Black Cats to face a stiff test as they look to improve on this year's third-place finish.

"I hope the club gets back into the Premiership soon because it belongs there," said the former England Under-21 international. "But it won't be easy. It's a tough league and it's hard to get out of.

"The fans deserve Premiership football and I hope things go well next season for them and for the lads at the club.

"It looks like there will be a few changes over the summer and maybe a few fresh faces which will do the club good."

Thirlwell was one of eight players told they would not be offered new contracts last week as McCarthy set about moulding his squad for next season.

His final game in a red and white shirt saw him fracture his skull in a reserve-team game at Morecambe but, while he admits to being disappointed at having to leave the Stadium of Light, he is looking forward to the challenge of pastures new.

"It's time for a change and I have one or two options to consider," said Thirlwell. "To be honest it was no great surprise when I found out that I would not be getting a new deal.

"Football is constantly changing and it's time for a change for me. I'm looking forward to a new challenge.

"I have some great memories of my time at Sunderland and, wherever I end up, I'll always look out for their result."

Thirlwell made his debut in a Coca Cola Cup game with York City, but the abiding memory of his Sunderland career came when he made his Premiership bow in December 1999.

"The highlight for me was when we beat Chelsea 4-1 at the Stadium of Light on my debut," he said. "That was a memorable day.

"I was involved in a lot of good times - the promotion year when we won the league with record points was special."

Thirlwell might be on his way out of the Stadium of Light, but Sunderland skipper George McCartney will be going nowhere after he signed a two-year extension to his current contract that will keep him on Wearside until 2007.

Everton had been linked with the Northern Ireland international following a string of impressive displays last season, but he has put pen to paper to end any speculation over his future.

"I wanted to stay at the club so it's great we've sorted out my contract," said McCartney. "This has been a great year for me - I've played regular first-team football and been given the captain's armband.

"I've been at Sunderland for six years now and I love it here. I have enjoyed working under Mick McCarthy and I'm delighted to be part of his long-term plans.

"I'll enjoy my summer break now and look forward to coming back with the aim of getting us promoted."

* Wigan have completed the signing of Bolton midfielder Per Frandsen.

The 34-year-old Denmark international, who has helped Wanderers to reach the Premiership on two occasions, was released by manager Sam Allardyce and moves on a free transfer after agreeing a one-year deal.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell said: ''I'm delighted to have agreed a deal with Per as he has proven quality and will be a great addition to our squad.

''I've always rated him highly and was therefore a little bit surprised when Bolton decided to release him.

''I spoke to Sam and he couldn't speak highly enough of him and how he'd performed at the Reebok."

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