MICK McCARTHY has dropped a huge hint that Kevin Phillips will be sold in the summer - and that Marcus Stewart will spearhead Sunderland's promotion assault.

McCarthy refused to say whether he expected Phillips to remain at the Stadium of Light after their ignominious relegation.

But the Sunderland manager, quizzed at a supporters' meeting, said: "We're definitely not Kevin Phillips United."

McCarthy's comments came after his main striker was linked with a posse of clubs including Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.

The need to alleviate debts totalling more than £26m, plus Phillips' admission that he wants regular Premiership football, means the 29-year-old's departure is likely.

McCarthy made clear his admiration for Stewart, who has started Sunderland's last two games, and insisted he could be a prolific First Division forward.

Meanwhile, Joachim Bjorklund has told McCarthy he must pick a settled side as the Black Cats' boss ponders how they can climb out of the Nationwide League.

Bjorklund said: "We've chopped and changed a lot this season, and I know that there will be changes when you don't play well.

"But too much disruption doesn't always help; it can become a vicious circle.

"When we've had a settled team we just haven't performed, but we showed what we're capable of against Chelsea and hopefully that bodes well for the future."

Bjorklund, who wants to stay with Sunderland next season, believes Howard Wilkinson did not show enough faith in him.

The defender added: "I've had a few injuries but I don't know if that's been the real problem for me this year.

"If Peter Reid had still been in charge, there's a good chance I would have been more involved.

"But that happens in football, and now I'm back in the squad I'm just trying to make the most of the situation."

Bjorklund is doubtful for Saturday's visit of West Bromwich Albion with the hamstring injury that forced him out of last week's defeat at Birmingham.

Meanwhile the Baggies former Black Cats's striker Daniele Dichio reckons Sunderland's relegation will make them more dangerous this weekend.

West Brom could be sent down to the First Division on Saturday and Dichio believes Sunderland can approach the game with a more relaxed attitude.

He said: "Even though Sunderland have been relegated, I'm not expecting it to be easier for us.

"If anything, it's going to make it tougher because the pressure is off them now.

"Saturday will be weird as well because they've just been relegated and we're bordering on relegation.

"But we've got a lot of pride to play for and we want the points to make sure we beat the 24 points Watford were relegated with."

* Sunderland goalkeeper Jurgen Macho is wanted by Austrian club FC Salzburg.

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