SUMMER signing Martin Woods has been challenged to become a top player after scoring a wonder-goal on his first appearance in a Sunderland shirt.

Woods, expected to play a part against the Vancounver Whitecaps later today, grabbed the winner in the first pre-season game of the Black Cats' tour of North America.

The 19-year-old struck a 30-yard screamer against British Colombia All-Stars in the early hours of Friday morning in Victoria to give himself the perfect start at his new club.

Woods, whose strike came 12 minutes from time, failed to make an impact at Leeds and was allowed to leave on a free transfer this summer.

But McCarthy believes he could have unearthed a gem and is fully focused on helping the teenager become a hit at the Stadium of Light.

"Martin's got a terrific left foot and is a good footballer. He's somebody who might just blossom into a very good player. He's got the ability to do so and we'll do our level best to get him there," said McCarthy.

Sunderland included £1.8m striker Jon Stead and goalkeeper Kelvin Davis in their starting line-up against the All-Stars, while fellow new-boys Daryl Murphy and Nyron Nosworthy made appearances from the bench.

Irish forward Murphy should also have found the net but missed the target with an easy header just minutes before Woods put Sunderland in front.

There was also further good news for winger Matt Piper. Piper, who has made just 13 league starts in three years on Wearside because of serious injury problems, played a full half without problems.

Midfielder Tommy Miller was missing against the All-Stars with a hamstring injury. He was rested as a precautionary measure but should be available to face the Whitecaps.

Meanwhile, axed Sean Thornton has revealed a clash of personalities with McCarthy ended with the player being dumped by Sunderland.

Thornton, transfer-listed at the end of last season, completed a £175,000 move to League One side Doncaster this week.

The Irish Under-21 international claimed run-ins with McCarthy cost him a place in the Sunderland squad for a push in the Premiership.

Thornton said: "I did not want to leave Sunderland. I have been very happy and the fans have been fantastic to me. Having helped Sunderland to the Premiership, I wanted to stay on and play at the top.

"There was a clash of personalities between me and the manager. As much as I wanted to stay, it was probably best that I move on."

* Tickets for Sunderland's first two home games of the season, against Charlton and Manchester City, go on sale on Wednesday morning.

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