SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy last night paid tribute to Sunderland's new-look strikeforce.

But he insists his side are still in desperate need of the goals to boost their promotion hopes.

Michael Proctor was recalled to the Sunderland starting line-up for the first time in the League since the defeat against Millwall on August 16.

And Proctor worked hard and played his part in strike partner Kevin Kyle's goal on Saturday against Burnley.

McCarthy must now decide whether to stick by the pair for the visit of promotion rivals Wigan tomorrow night.

He said: "I was pleased with Michael. I took him off because he had played on the Thursday for the reserves and we thought we should take him off before he got too tired. But I thought he did well.

"I was also pleased with big Kevin Kyle as well. It was his first game back after his hip injury and I thought he did well. It was nice to see him score."

Despite Kyle's goal, his eighth of the season, Sunderland are still hoping for a change of fortunes in front of goal.

The Black Cats go into tomorrow's match knowing they have only scored two in their last five matches on home soil.

But McCarthy said: "We just have to keep practising the things we are doing in training. It will come right because it is the same players who got us to the top of the table who are out there playing.

"It's the same players who have got us where we are and it will be the same players who get us out of this poor patch we are in.

"Effort-wise they cannot be faulted because they gave everything; we just need that second goal."

And he praised Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen and his own No 1 Mart Poom, adding: "It was an open game against Burnley and both teams had plenty of chances but both goalkeepers made some fantastic saves.

"There were a number of good saves and I would say that Burnley will be exceptionally pleased with their goalkeeper's performance.

"But we have had to defend as well and Poom has made a number of great saves as well."

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