AFTER receiving a vote of confidence from Sunderland's supporters this week, under-fire manager Mick McCarthy is hoping for another major boost ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Bolton.

With the luxury of a spare weekend thanks to Liverpool's participation in the World Club Championship, McCarthy expects to have injury victims Stephen Elliott, Stephen Wright, Tommy Miller and Alan Stubbs all available for the visit of Sam Allardyce's side.

Elliott's return will be a major boost given Sunderland's recent struggles in front of goal, with the Republic of Ireland international close to shaking off the effects of a troublesome back.

The striker, who looked to be back to his best in October, when he scored eye-catching goals against both Manchester United and Newcastle, has missed the last five games with the problem.

Wright and Stubbs should return to strengthen a defence that has shipped 24 goals in the last nine league games.

The former has not played since damaging his knee in the opening game of the season, with a subsequent calf problem extending his spell on the sidelines.

Stubbs has been out of action for four games after suffering a groin strain, but the former Everton and Celtic centre-half expects to be fit to face another of his former sides.

"I'm on the mend," he confirmed. "I started training again on Monday and we have a few days until the Bolton match so, fingers crossed, I am hoping I will be fit to play.

"The injury was a bit annoying. It was something and nothing, but it wouldn't go away so we decided to give me a break and let it settle down. I think that has done the trick.

"I would like to play against Bolton because I started my career there. It was a very homely club when I was there and I had a lot of good times with them."

Miller, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury, is expected to bolster McCarthy's midfield options ahead of a packed Christmas period that also includes games against Blackburn, Everton and Fulham.

Not all of Sunderland's players are so keen about a return to action on Wearside, though, with exiled goalkeeper Joe Murphy hoping to make his loan stay at Walsall a permanent one.

Murphy, who signed a one-year contract with the Black Cats in the summer, has made eight appearances for the League One side and is keen to clinch a long-term move to the Bescot Stadium.

"I'd definitely be interested," he said. "I've been on substitutes' benches for most of the last three or four years now, so it was nice to come to Walsall last season and play 25 or 30 games and then come back again this time round.

"I just want to get back playing and, if it happens here, great. I've signed until January 24 so I'll just have to keep playing as well as I can and then see what happens.

"I think I'll be leaving Sunderland so even if Walsall don't want me, other clubs will take a look and I'll get a move.

"That's what I need."

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