SUNDERLAND new boy Jon Stead last night praised the Black Cats' Premiership credentials and insisted he was not leaving Blackburn to become embroiled in a battle against the drop.

Stead became Mick McCarthy's third summer signing yesterday when he put pen to paper on a four-year deal at the Stadium of Light.

McCarthy's willingness to splash out £1.8m on Stead underlines just how highly he rates the England Under-21 international.

The Black Cats' boss fought off competition from Charlton Athletic, with both clubs having discussed terms with the 24-year-old last weekend.

Charlton have established themselves as a top-flight force in the last three seasons but, despite Sunderland having only recently returned to the Premiership, Stead is confident he made the right choice.

And, with Ipswich goalkeeper Kelvin Davis also having undergone a medical on Wearside yesterday, the club's latest arrival has delivered an upbeat assessment of their chances next season.

"This is a massive club, a Premiership club, and I have every confidence we will be a Premiership club for many seasons to come," said Stead, who began his career with his hometown team, Huddersfield, just three years ago. "I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think 100 per cent we can do it.

"I had a choice between Sunderland and Charlton, I spoke to both parties and had a look around. It was just the feeling I got when I came here, when I saw the training ground and the stadium, and especially after speaking to the manager. He assured me this was the place to be and I'm sure it is.

"It feels fantastic to be a Sunderland player. Everything was a bit of a shock, but I'm putting on the red and white after wearing blue and white for the most of my career and I'm looking forward to it."

McCarthy has tracked Stead for almost two years and came close to signing him when he left Huddersfield at the start of 2004.

The striker scored 24 goals in 76 games for the Terriers, including a successful strike at the Stadium of Light when they celebrated a shock 4-2 win over Sunderland in 2003-04's Carling Cup.

But, while the Black Cats agreed a fee with Stead's employers, he opted to join Blackburn instead.

Things initially went well for Stead as his goals helped keep Rovers in the top-flight, but the relationship soured last term scoring only twice in 34 games.

"I originally chose Blackburn because they were in the Premiership," explained Stead. "But things have changed. The manager (McCarthy) has been after me for 18 months and that swayed me a little bit over the last couple of weeks.

"What's past is past and I just want to score goals and do well for Sunderland. I've proved I can score goals in the Premiership and I've got to keep it up now."

McCarthy might have missed out 16 months ago but, after finally getting his man, he is happy to have been rewarded for his persistence.

"I'm thrilled to have Jonathan on board," said the Black Cats' boss. "He's an England Under-21 international and has scored goals in the Premier League, so he's a great signing for us. Jonathan is the kind of lad that will fit into our squad and team ethic straight away."

Davis was also on Wearside yesterday after agreeing terms with Sunderland over the weekend.

The 28-year-old keeper had initially hoped to stay nearer to his native Suffolk, until further discussions with McCarthy took place. Sunderland officials are currently awaiting the result of a medical and, provided there are no problems, he will be officially unveiled later today.

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