A REALISTIC Mick McCarthy last night warned Liverpool not to expect Sunderland to suffer from another case of the Premiership jitters at one of the greatest club stadiums of them all.

If last week's defeat to Charlton failed to whet the appetite for the Black Cats' first season back in the Premiership, a trip to the home of the European champions today is exactly what the top flight is all about.

There are very few, if any, pundits across the country expecting Sunderland to take as much as a point at Anfield following the 3-1 capitulation to the Addicks seven days ago.

But McCarthy, despite being well aware of the challenge that lies ahead, insists being such massive underdogs could prove to be to Sunderland's gain.

"There was no stage fright last week. But having said that, maybe there was a touch of first day nerves," said McCarthy, embarking on his first full campaign as a Premiership boss. "There was a touch too much expectation on our shoulders.

"It's different at Liverpool. There's no weight of expectation on us - except from ourselves to play better and have a better performance.

"We improved consistently all the way through last season, in a different league, I know. And we will be a harder team to beat as the weeks go on in this league."

McCarthy chooses to use the likes of Charlton and Birmingham as the benchmarks for his side's bid to become a permanent fixture in the Premiership.

He is keen to ensure that Sunderland do not become a yo-yo club under his tutelage, even if that means surviving their first campaign back among the elite by the narrowest of margins.

McCarthy believes overseeing a successful survival charge this time around - on a limited transfer budget - means he will eventually be able to transform the Wearside outfit into a top half team.

"If you can stay in the Premiership for one season you get stronger," he said. "I spoke to Steve Bruce on that score and as the years go to maintain that level you have to go and pay more for players and pay more wages.

"We've got that first season now. We're doing the best we can to compete in the Premiership against the big boys who're spending all the dosh, we'll be alright.

"You have to give all the players time to adapt to the pace of it, the pressures of it and the ability that is a higher standard from where we've come from. Give us all a couple of weeks to see how we get on."

Liverpool hardly set the league on fire in their opening day draw at Middlesbrough last week when skipper Steven Gerrard did all of his side's good work himself.

But, on Merseyside turf, Sunderland are expecting a rougher ride this afternoon and McCarthy believes the visitors will be more than capable of dealing with the vibrant Anfield atmosphere.

"We don't go there with trepidation," said McCarthy, who spent under £5m during the summer while opposite number Rafael Benitez has spent £18.6m so far with more new faces on their way - Michael Owen probably one of them.

"We're not playing reputations. Perhaps individually some of the players look around at their surroundings, and be inspired, not awe-struck by Anfield, I'm not worried about Liverpool's reputation. I'm more concerned about us.

"We should go out and enjoy the experience. I don't follow the betting but I'd imagine the betting will have Liverpool odds on to get the win and the points.

"That being the case we can go there and enjoy it and play so the pressure is less than last week."

One man who is already beginning to earn positive reviews is midfielder Dean Whitehead - with one scribe even describing his displays as Gerrard-esque, something that brought a little smile to McCarthy's face. Whitehead has gone from being a League Two footballer at Oxford United to a Premiership midfielder at Sunderland within two years and his boss is expecting big things from him this season.

"Gerrard is terrific, he's a great player and one that's a huge asset to Liverpool. He's going to pose problems to us with his ability and running but we're looking forward,'' said McCarthy.

"All I will say on the likeness is I'm sure Dean Whitehead will be looking forward to the challenge.

"Dean played really well last week and there's no doubt in my mind he'll perform well throughout this season.

"He'll be one of the new players that will be talked about as someone who does well.

"He'll be relishing the prospect of playing against Liverpool and Gerrard and all their other players."

Sunderland are still without George McCartney today but the full-back is nearing full training and is return to the side is likely to be sooner rather than later.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Wright is missing with a knee ligament injury, sustained in training on Monday.

''The injury to Stephen Wright is a blow for us and for him - it's not what we wanted one game into the season,'' said McCarthy.

''I've got no problem bringing Nyron Nosworthy in, but we haven't got much cover.

''So I can't say that I will just make do with the situation. I will be looking around in the transfer market and seeing what can be done.''

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