MARCUS STEWART was last night challenged to hit 25 goals by relieved Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy.

And should the former Ipswich Town striker do just that then the Black Cats will not be too far away from at least a play-off place in the First Division.

Stewart grabbed his second of the season from the penalty spot against Watford yesterday.

And McCarthy is convinced the club's new No 10 can deliver the goals to fire sixth-placed Sunderland to promotion.

"Stewie is the most experienced striker with us and his goalscoring record is fantastic," said the Stadium of Light chief. "He has had to go and find the goals for us and he has delivered. He has been terrific.

"I thought if he gets one goal he will go on from there and I do think he is a 20 goals a season man. In fact, I think he is a 25-goals a season man."

After claiming the maximum six points from the Bank Holiday weekend fixtures, Sunderland, who lost their opening two First Division games, have risen from second bottom to a top six berth in the space of three days.

McCarthy is aware that difficult times remain but he is delighted to finally guide his side on the right track - after failing to taste success in the League in his first 11 League games in charge.

"I have been there before you know," said the former Millwall boss. "It was just a long time ago. All I know is that it feels better than being at the bottom.

"It has been a great weekend. Very enjoyable. Rare, but enjoyable. The result at Preston on Saturday helped a lot. I have been saying that we have been doing the right things but it does not matter if you don't win.

"I will take all the flak from anyone if we are trying to play football by relaxing and passing it around. If we do that then we look like a very accomplished side.

"What pleases me is that the fans don't have bad records hanging around their necks anymore. So I am pleased for them."

Sunderland's other goal-hero yesterday, Stephen Wright, was also praised by McCarthy.

The future of Wright, along with many Sunderland players, was clouded in doubt over the summer as McCarthy was told to sell. But the former Liverpool full-back, who took his first goal for the club like a striker, turned in a promising display.

"Stephen has come back and done very well," said McCarthy, whose side travel to Bradford on Saturday. "He was another one who we told he could leave if we received an offer for him.

"But he has come back and done really well and he scored a fabulous goal. I am pleased he got that goal or he might have struggled to get back and defend."

Matthew Piper was dropped against the Hornets and his replacement John Oster turned in a man of the match display.

And McCarthy said: "I just though Matt Piper would have struggled to come through two games in three days. There was nothing wrong with him. Oster had a brilliant pre-season and was one of the plus points for us. "

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