SUNDERLAND'S Julio Arca has set himself an Olympic challenge.

The Argentinian full-back wants to work his way into his country's squad for the Olympic 2004 qualifiers in January.

If he were to earn a call-up he would miss a vital part of Sunderland's First Division campaign.

The South American qualifiers take place from January 9-25 in Chile, around the time the Black Cats are hoping to strengthen their push for a play-off place.

Arca, whose hero is Diego Maradona, hopes playing in the Athens Games would then boost his chances of earning a call-up for his country on a more regular basis.

"To play for my country is my big ambition," said the 22-year-old. "It always has been. To do that I know I have to do well at Sunderland.

"If I play well I will have a chance. The national team has the qualification for the Olympics and that will be a good chance for me to prove I am good enough for them.

"I want to represent my country but I know it is going to be difficult because Argentina have a lot of good players."

After recently starring in his preferred left-back role, Arca occupied left-midfield in the 3-1 defeat at Stoke City on Tuesday night.

Following Sunderland's poor display at the Britannia Stadium, manager Mick McCarthy is expected to name the player in a more withdrawn role at Derby today.

Arca is in no doubt where he wants to play and he hopes to help Sunderland recapture the form which led to them winning four successive games.

"When the manager asked me I told him I preferred to play at left-back. That's my position," said Arca. "In Peter Reid's team I was always playing left wing. Now I have played a few games at left-back and I seemed to play well.

"I hope to play there more often. I know my position and that is it.

"The two roles are not too different but I do prefer to play left-back.

"At left-back I like to get the ball moving forward and pass it. When I first came here I was happy to play at left-wing because I wanted to play in Europe so I would play anywhere."

Sunderland will learn next month how much compensation they will receive from Manchester United for Frenchman David Bellion. The 20-year-old left the Stadium of Light for Old Trafford during the summer after his contract expired, but because he is aged under 23, the Black Cats are entitled to compensation.