Arca insists Sunderland have sights on the title

The Argentine full-back is in his fourth season at the Stadium of Light, the first of which ended with an impressive seventh-place finish under ex-boss Peter Reid.

But after two campaigns of struggle - ending with an embarrassing relegation in May - Sunderland found themselves in the Nationwide League in August.

Now the Black Cats are firmly back on the right road and, although talk of finishing ahead of the rest has been played down so far, Arca is convinced Mick McCarthy's class of 2003 can lift the crown they won in record-breaking style in 1999.

The 22-year-old, who is seeking a recall to the starting line-up against Rotherham United tonight, has welcomed the attractive way in which McCarthy is trying to lead his side to promotion.

"Sunderland have had good moments and bad moments since I have been here and this is certainly a good time," said Arca, whose two wonder-goals so far have helped to win over the doom-mongers.

"I think two seasons ago it was all right when we finished seventh in the Premiership, but I think this season could be even better because we are really fighting for something.

"Last season we were fighting to win games just to stay up, this season we are trying to win games because we have the possibility of winning the league.

"There are big expectations because everybody here is trying to win the league.

"We know it's a long, long season but we will be trying our best to do just that.

"I think if you play football in this division it can make the difference. Since Mick McCarthy came to Sunderland he has tried to get us playing the football he knows best."

Fans' favourite Arca missed Saturday's 1-0 victory over Walsall through suspension, but he is expected to be recalled to the starting line-up tonight.

The former Argentinos Juniors man is hopeful that the supporters who turned out in force at the weekend will turn out at the Stadium of Light again tonight.

More than 36, 000 were in attendance to witness the match - over 10,000 more than the figure which watched the side draw with Cardiff seven days ago.

Arca added: "It was frustrating not to play, but the most important thing was for Sunderland to get the three points. It's normal that when the team is winning the fans will come back to the stadium.

"It's good to see the fans back because it helps to motivate the players. Last season was a real disappointment for everybody, especially for the fans. They all expected to see Sunderland higher in the table.

"This season is the season for the Sunderland fans. It's a long season but I think the fans can tell they are going to enjoy our football."

Meanwhile, Mart Poom has repaid the faith shown in him by McCarthy with a string of fine displays.

Through his good form, Poom was linked with a move to Southampton over the weekend, but the Sunderland manager insists his goalkeeper is going nowhere.

McCarthy is delighted with the way the Estonian has responded to taking over the No 1 shirt.

"I hung my hat on him when Tommy Sorensen was here," he said. "Mart is the number one and he has been excellent. There's something about him and he is one of the nicest blokes I have ever met, to be honest. Fans don't know that - they just like him because of his ability."

He added: "We are in a far better position now financially and players that are here are here to stay. If there was a massive fee that came in for any player I'm not saying I wouldn't consider it because that could help me to bring two or three players in.

"But nobody is saying to me that on the next transfer deadline somebody has to be sold on."

McCarthy also praised Rotherham boss Ronnie Moore ahead of this evening's match, saying: "He was a tough opponent to play against and he has done very well. Success is all relative and I think he has had huge success for that club.

"Some people have got qualities to go out and spend lots of money wisely; other people have lesser funds to work with and they have that ability to get the best out of people. Ronnie has obviously got the ability to get the best out of people."

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