MICK McCarthy last night insisted that there is no need to panic despite Sunderland's sudden attack of the shakes.

The Black Cats travel to Wigan for a lunchdown showdown today looking to put an end to their worst run of the season.

Successive defeats to Ipswich, West Brom and Crystal Palace have shut the door on an automatic return to the top-flight and have even raised questions about Sunderland's ability to clinch one of the four available play-off places.

A home win today would see Wigan leapfrog McCarthy's side and, with Ipswich at home to lowly Nottingham Forest, Sunderland could find themselves in fifth position tonight if their run of defeats is extended to four.

But a victory would go a long way towards booking a ticket for the play-off lottery, and McCarthy still views Sunderland's glass as half full rather than half empty.

"We're in the best position of anyone other than the top two," said the Black Cats boss. "All the other clubs around us know they've got to catch us.

"They've all got to get to where we are and they'd all swop positions with us.

"We've all been jittery and nervous at times, because we all know the prize that's at stake.

"It can become difficult at this stage and they'll be suffering just like us. Wigan, Ipswich, West Ham, Sheffield United, Millwall - all of us are going through exactly the same thing.

"There are eight or nine teams going for the play-offs, and we're all going to have our nervous moments.

"But we need to ensure that we're in the play-offs and a win against Wigan would go a long way towards achieving that."

Stuart Downing's penalty earned Sunderland a 1-1 draw with Wigan earlier in the season but, with the midfielder back at Middlesbrough following the end of his loan spell, McCarthy has turned his attention towards tying down another one of his temporary acquisitions.

Wales international Carl Robinson has provided an imposing midfield presence since moving from Portsmouth last month, and McCarthy has begun talks aimed at bringing him to the Stadium of Light on a permanent basis.

"Carl's a good player and I've been delighted with him," said McCarthy. "He's got a lot of experience and he's a good character as well. He's come across as a really good pro in the short time I've been working with him.

"His loan will be extended once we make sure that we're in the play-offs, and I'm already looking at trying to get him on a more long-term deal.

"I'm talking to his representative about what's going to happen next season but what happens in the here and now has got to be the most important thing."

Robinson is expected to be fit for this afternoon's game after shaking off the shin injury that kept him sidelined at Selhurst Park.

Paul Thirlwell (calf) is also available as McCarthy's midfield ranks return to full strength, while right-back Stephen Wright (thigh) is ready to return after being out of action since the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Millwall.

Skipper George McCartney (knee) remains a doubt though as Sunderland look to shut out a Wigan strike pairing that have fired their side into the heart of the play-off race.

Nathan Ellington and Jason Roberts have shared six goals in the last four games and keeping them quiet could be key to Sunderland's fortunes this afternoon.

"We've got some strikers still to play against," said McCarthy. "But you'd have to look at Ellington and Roberts at Wigan and say that they're as good as any partnership in this league."

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