MARCUS STEWART has revealed he is revelling in his supporting role at Sunderland.

The 30-year-old striker has not scored in his last six outings and has recently turned provider for giant partner Kevin Kyle.

Kyle grabbed his seventh of the campaign in the 1-0 win over promotion rivals Sheffield United on Saturday.

It was another left-wing cross from Stewart that created the opportunity for the Scotland international to head home.

And Stewart, who has himself hit four goals so far this term, admits his role as creator is not something new to him.

"I think as a striker if you are not scoring you like to be a part of the lead up to the goal," said the former Ipswich Town man.

"I think I have got quite a few assists this season, so when I don't score it is nice to be involved in creating them.

"I also see myself as a player like that; not just a goalscorer but a creator.

"I have been happy with my own game. I've scored four goals in the League and I didn't start the first two.

"I may not have scored recently but I am happy to create them."

Five other players have scored for Sunderland during their recent impressive run of form and Stewart says long may it continue.

And the ex-Bristol Rovers front-man insists if the Black Cats are going to maintain a realistic push for a top two place in Division One, they can not become too reliant on the front two's firepower.

"I think it is important that we are winning games and we are winning games without relying on just me and Kevin scoring," he said.

"Kevin will score us a lot of goals this season. That is for certain. But we need goals from midfielders as well."

Fourth-placed Sunderland, whose next game is at home to Cardiff City a week today, are now just three points adrift of leaders West Bromwich Albion.

But, despite losing just one of their last nine League matches, Stewart insists Mick McCarthy's men are still a long way from an immediate return to the Premiership.

"The test will come for us when we lose two games on the trot," he said.

"We are not going to go through a full season without losing a game. We are going to lose a game at some point in the future and it will be how we react from that.

"There will also be a time when it is cold and windy. There are a lot of things we will have to combat this season.

"We are doing a fantastic job at the moment but there is still a long way to go."

Meanwhile, midfielder Jeff Whitley has joined George McCartney in the Northern Ireland squad for their clash with Greece on Saturday.

They are just two of seven Sunderland players on international duty this weekend.

Gary Breen and Colin Healy will both feature for the Republic of Ireland in Switzerland, Mart Poom will play for Estonia in Belgium and John Oster will travel to Serbia and Montenegro with Wales.

Sean Thornton will also be in Switzerland with Ireland's Under-21s. And winger Thomas Butler has been placed on stand-by for the full squad.

l Sunderland's reserve team fixture with derby rivals Newcastle United on October 22 is all-ticket.

The Premier Reserve League North clash will take place at Durham City's Archibalds Stadium (kick-off 7pm). Tickets can be purchased up until 5pm on the day of the game.