SUNDERLAND midfielder Jeff Whitley has warned Norwich City that the Black Cats are ready to wreck their Division One title party at the Stadium of Light tonight.

The Premiership-bound Canaries need a point to virtually assure themselves of the Nationwide League crown.

But Sunderland are seeking a similar return to make certain of a place in the play-offs.

Whitley, who opened the scoring in Saturday's disappointing 1-1 home draw with lowly Crewe Alexandra, said: "Hopefully we can spoil Norwich's party.

"They will be looking to win the championship, but we are determined to ruin it for them and make sure it doesn't happen here.

"We want to postpone their celebrations and get ourselves into the play-offs at the same time. We won't be sitting back and relaxing and thinking we've done enough, because we know we haven't.

"It should be a real battle. We need a couple of good results to take into the play-offs and we will be going all out for a win over Norwich; to beat the team who are heading for the championship would give us plenty of confidence for what lies ahead.

"We have to be mentally strong. Saturday was very disappointing. All the lads had their heads down in the dressing room because we had wanted to make sure of a play-off place before the last week of the season.''

Mick McCarthy's side slipped back to fourth place after being denied the victory that would have guaranteed a play-off spot by Dean Ashton's breakaway goal for Crewe 15 minutes from time.

Whitley said: "The manager had a few things to say, but we just have to get over it now. We were punished for a lack of concentration again and we really need to lift ourselves for what is going to be a very difficult game.

"We just have to keep plugging away. We have created a lot of chances throughout the season and we need to start taking them soon if we are going to make it into the play-offs.

"I was thrilled to score on Saturday and I hope there are still one or two more to come before the end of the season.

"But I had quite a few chances on Saturday and only scored with one of them. I was pleased to get straight back into the team after my suspension, but we haven't won a game yet since I have been back. Hopefully that will soon change. The morale is good and we just have to stay strong and not let Saturday's result get to us.''

Whitley, one of three players who picked up weekend knocks, has been having ice treatment for an ankle problem. Centre-back Gary Breen is nursing a neck injury and right-back Darren Williams is doubtful with hamstring trouble.

Sunderland can scarcely afford any more injuries, with Julio Arca (knee ligaments) and Paul Thirlwell (fractured skull) ruled out for the rest of the season, and Stephen Wright (thigh) still sidelined.

"Julio is a massive loss for us, as is Paul,'' said Whitley. "But they have done their bit this season and we just have to make sure we push on and do it for them and the club.

"We are confident we can go all the way and win promotion. We have been strong all season and we don't want to come this far and have nothing to show for it.''

Striker Kevin Kyle maintains the players' nerves are steady, despite a run of five games without a win. The Scottish international said: "Before the FA Cup semi-final against Millwall, everybody was bubbling and looking forward to the chance of getting to the final.

"We missed that opportunity and got on with the job of trying to catch West Brom in second place.

"For a while we thought we could do that and now, all of a sudden, we have to try to make sure we get in the play-offs. The mood has changed. We need that point and we should have had it by now.

"The fans are getting a bit nervous, but the players aren't. We're not too bothered where we finish in the play-off places as long as we're in there with a chance of getting back into the Premiership.

"We would like to finish third, but whichever team you play, it's going to be difficult.

"We still have this game in hand against Norwich. They're top of the table, but we seem to do better when we play the better teams, and hopefully that will be the case this time.''

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