MICK McCarthy last night ruled out an improved bid for Wolves' striker Kenny Miller after insisting he would have "no qualms" about starting the new season without making any further additions to his Sunderland squad.

With Kevin Kyle unlikely to travel as he battles his way back from a long-term injury lay-off, McCarthy is preparing to embark on this month's mini-tour of North America with just three centre-forwards in his travelling party.

Former Blackburn striker Jon Stead has arrived to accompany Stephen Elliott and Chris Brown, but the departure of Marcus Stewart has left the Black Cats worryingly light in the attacking department.

McCarthy has tried to rectify that by tabling two bids for Miller, but Wolves have rebuffed his advances and slapped a £2m transfer fee on the Scotland international's head.

The Black Cats' boss is adamant he will not be held to ransom and, despite the start of the Premiership season being less than six weeks away, is refusing to panic in the search for new recruits.

"We made a bid, it has been turned down and that is it," said McCarthy, who has also made unsuccessful attempts to sign Heidar Helguson and Ricardo Fuller this summer. "We're not planning on going back and offering any more money so as far as I'm concerned it's finished with.

"Enough has been said about the Kenny Miller situation already. We have not agreed terms with his club and so, if we can't sign him, we will go somewhere else.

"I'm still looking at players. I nailed the main ones to start with and the players I have brought in are hungry and want to improve and impress in the Premier League.

"If the season was to start tomorrow, I would be comfortable, I would have no qualms. We could start the season now without any worries. I keep looking but I'm in no rush."

In terms of numbers, McCarthy could improve his striking situation at a stroke if he was to reverse his decision to place fans' favourite Michael Bridges on the transfer list.

The North Shields-born striker is still hoping to resurrect his career on Wearside but, after confirming that neither Bridges, nor team-mate Sean Thornton, would be on the club's trip to Canada and the United States, McCarthy effectively ruled out any chance of a reprieve.

"They will not be travelling with us to North America because they are both still available for transfer," explained the Sunderland boss. "I put them both on the list and they should both be trying to find new clubs. My mind has not changed.

"If we come back (and they are still at Sunderland) I will deal with it on an ongoing basis. I'm not making any plans."

McCarthy is also yet to finalise his future plans for injury-plagued midfielder Colin Healy.

The 25-year-old, who did not make a senior appearance last season, is currently out of contract and, while he continues to train with the Sunderland squad, a new deal depends on his ability to prove his fitness.

"Colin is out there training and I am delighted to see that," confirmed McCarthy. "We all know about his abilities, it's just a case of fitness."

* Sunderland will face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in a pre-season friendly in Holland on Saturday, August 6 (ko 8pm local time).

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