NORTHERN Ireland boss Sammy McIlroy insists George McCartney can solve Sunderland's central defensive problems.

Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy is seeking new recruits at the heart of his rearguard after informing Phil Babb, Joachim Bjorklund and Emerson Thome that they can leave on free transfers.

With Moroccan Talal el Karkouri returning to Paris St. Germain after his four-month loan spell, Jody Craddock could end up as Sunderland's only senior orthodox centre-half - assuming he doesn't move on himself this summer.

Middlesbrough's Colin Cooper, former Riverside teammate Steve Vickers and Gary Breen, who played for the Republic of Ireland when McCarthy was in charge, are all free agents and among those under scrutiny.

But McIlroy reckons 22-year-old McCartney, who usually operates as a left-back for Sunderland, is growing in stature as a centre-back after partnering Newcastle's Aaron Hughes in Northern Ireland's goalless Euro 2004 qualifier with Spain at Windsor Park.

McIlroy is convinced McCartney can establish himself in the role for his country for the next decade.

He said: "McCartney is going to be a centre-back for ten years or more if he wants to be.

"We've had great servants in Gerry Taggart and Mark Williams. These people have done well, but I am trying to build for the future."

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