NEW signing Mark Lynch is confident that his 11 years at Manchester United will help Sunderland win promotion to the Premiership.

The 22-year-old right back, who signed a three-year deal with the Black Cats on Thursday, will link up with the rest of his team-mates when they return from their pre-season tour of America next week.

He arrives on Wearside with an impeccable pedigree after graduating through the same Old Trafford youth system that produced the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.

His first-team experience might have been limited to one Champions League outing against Deportivo La Coruna, but Lynch remains convinced that his formative years will stand him in good stead as he attempts to help his new club into the top-flight.

"I've learned an awful lot from my time at United," said Lynch, who spent time in the Red Devils' youth ranks alongside fellow Sunderland youngsters Jonjo Dickman and Ben Clark.

"I've played and trained with some world-class players and it is bound to rub off on you.

"But I want first-team football and the gaffer (Sir Alex Ferguson) understood that. He was good to me.

"It was hard for me to leave United, but it's a challenge I'm looking forward to.

"I've come here to play football and further my career. I've been given a great opportunity and I aim to make the most of it.

"It's my intention to get into the first team at Sunderland - I wouldn't be here if it wasn't.

"I've only played one first-team game for United, but it gives you a taste for more. I want to play football and that's why I've come here."

Lynch was approached by a number of clubs after announcing his intention to quit Old Trafford despite still having a year of his contract to run.

But one chat with Black Cats boss Mick McCarthy persuaded him to become the sixth summer arrival at the Stadium of Light.

"I had offers to go to other clubs," confirmed Lynch. "But, after speaking to Mick, I wanted to sign for Sunderland.

"He was impressive with what he had to say and the club is ambitious to win promotion next season."

Lynch is unlikely to be McCarthy's last summer signing, with West Ham striker David Connolly set to decide his future early next week.

The Hammers have agreed a fee with both Sunderland and Leicester, and the Republic of Ireland international has been told to choose which club he would like to join.

Leicester are in the driving seat after Micky Adams held face to face talks with Connolly on Thursday, and the Foxes boss is confident the striker will be lining up at the Walkers Stadium next season.

"David Connolly has assured me that he will be joining Leicester City, providing he can get things sorted with West Ham," he confirmed.

But Sunderland have refused to throw in the towel and are understood to be seeking further discussions with the frontman this weekend.

Connolly built up a close relationship with McCarthy during the latter's time as Republic of Ireland boss and sources in London suggest Sunderland has always been his favoured destination.

Meanwhile, Carl Robinson is expected to return from injury as the Black Cats take on Charleston Battery in South Carolina later today.

The Wales international, who missed Wednesday's abandoned game in Raleigh because of a groin complaint, will be joined in today's starting line-up by John Oster after he jetted into the United States earlier this week.

* Former Sunderland midfielder Paul Thirlwell is currently on trial with fellow Coca-Cola Championship side Sheffield United.

Read more about Sunderland here.