SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy has thrown down the gauntlet to midfielder Sean Thornton.

McCarthy has demanded that the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international maintains the influential form he showed in Tuesday's crucial victory over Division One champions Norwich if he wants to stay in the team.

Thornton fell foul of disciplinarian McCarthy at the start of the season when he and fellow midfielder Jeff Whitley slept in on the morning of the opening game at Nottingham Forest and missed a pre-match training session.

Thornton has since struggled to convince McCarthy that he is worth a first-team spot.

But, after being recalled to the starting line-up for the Norwich game, he is now being encouraged to demonstrate more commitment and maturity as he nears his 21st birthday on Tuesday week.

The natural ability of Thornton, signed by former boss Peter Reid from Tranmere two years ago in a deal worth up to £400,000, has never been in doubt.

Former Republic boss McCarthy confessed: "Sean gives us something extra and if he remains fully focused, he'll stay in the side and play every week.''

Pointedly, however, McCarthy added: "I have lads here who haven't got Sean's ability, but they are prepared to graft and give their all for Sunderland. I would never leave them out for someone who won't do that.''

Now, having played an important role in helping the Black Cats clinch a play-off place this week, Thornton admits: "I enjoyed the win over Norwich and I want to stay in the side.

"Hopefully I can keep up a level of performance so the manager can't drop me.''

Meanwhile, striker Kevin Kyle has laughed off reports linking him with German sides Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Cologne.

Kyle, who with Scotland plays under former Germany boss Berti Vogts, said: "I've had no contact with any clubs in Germany, it's the first I've heard about it and it makes me laugh, really. I'm happy here at Sunderland and all I'm thinking of is trying to get the club back into the Premiership.''

* Bradford have been plunged further into crisis after it was revealed the proposed rescue package to save the club is almost certain to fall through.

A creditors meeting, due to take place today to vote on the Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA) has been postponed until May 14, giving Bantams' chief executive Julian Rhodes a week to resolve unfulfilled issues of the deal.

Read more about Sunderland here.