Luckless Sunderland midfielder Matt Piper is finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel after receiving a boost from Mick McCarthy.

The 22-year-old, who has started just ten games for the Black Cats since his £3.5m move from Leicester in August last year, was on the comeback trail last month when he suffered his latest setback. Piper, who has had three operations in the last year, strained a cruciate ligament on reserve-team duty to send him back to the treatment room once again.

The youngster has had little chance to impress Peter Reid, Howard Wilkinson or McCarthy during his time on Wearside, and he admits that his frustration had started to get the better of him.

However, McCarthy's reassurance that he has a part to play once he is fit has given him a shot in the arm, and now he is targeting a comeback sometime next month.

''The manager has been very good to me,'' he said. ''He has told me that he wants me back quickly and that I'm a valuable member of his squad. That's great for me to hear.

''I was a bit down after getting this latest injury and the manager's support is much appreciated. There's light at the end of the tunnel and I just hope it will be the end of my problems.''

Piper not only faces a battle for fitness, but also to force his way into a side which has gone from strength to strength after opening their Division One campaign with two defeats.

The Black Cats have lost just one of the last nine to climb to fourth in the table.

The midfielder still has a lot of work to do before he can start to press for a return, but having been given fresh impetus, he is determined to do just that.

''One consolation for me is that the team has been doing really well. I know that when I'm fit I'll have a battle to get back in, but I'd rather it be that way than see us struggle.''