JON STEAD insisted he made the right decision to move to Blackburn Rovers and turn down Sunderland's advances.

The 20-year-old striker completed a deadline day switch to Ewood Park on Monday from Huddersfield Town, despite a late attempt from the Black Cats to hijack the deal.

It was a transfer that led Sunderland chairman Bob Murray to publically criticise the player's agent, Leon Angel, who had suggested the Wearsiders were leading the chase.

Instead Stead completed a deal, worth up to £1m, at Blackburn and he admits he had a difficult decision to make when he heard that Sunderland had upped their initial bid of £850,000 - which was accepted by the Huddersfield board.

"I spoke briefly with Mick McCarthy, but it was always likely to be a rush and the decision had already been made that I would join Blackburn," said Stead, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal.

"It has been an overwhelming last 48 hours and my emotions have been all over the place, so I'm glad it's done and dusted."

Sunderland were made to believe that Stead - whose favourite player as a schoolboy was Marcus Stewart in his Huddersfield days - wanted to make the move to the North-East.

But in a quick turnaround the Division Three top-scorer, with 18 goals, decided a move to the Premiership would be in his best interests.

And Stead, who could make his debut at the Riverside against Middlesbrough on Saturday, said: "I thought it would go through at the beginning of the window, but as the month went on I started to have doubts.

"I finally got the call that the bid had been accepted. I am quietly confident I can take the step up but only time will tell.

"I honestly do feel I have made the right decision - 100 per cent sure - I suppose only time will tell whether I'm right."

Sunderland's other top target, Steve Caldwell, also thinks he can make the most of life at top-flight basement boys Leeds United until the end of the campaign.

The Stirling-born defender was part of the deal which saw Michael Bridges go to Newcastle on loan for the same length of time.

But Caldwell, whose contract at St. James' Park expires in July, is still expected to complete a permanent switch to Sunderland in the summer.

Firstly, the 23-year-old wants to prove the Magpies were wrong to let him go by helping cash-strapped Leeds keep their place amongst football's elite.

"I hope that I can do well and keep Leeds in the Premiership," said Caldwell. "It's obviously a big challenge and it's going to be tough for myself and the rest of the players, but it is achievable.

"I want to prove to people what I can do. I know I'm good enough and this is a chance to show that.

"I loved my experience at Newcastle United, the fans have been great every time I played.