MICK McCARTHY takes his Sunderland side to Watford this evening insisting he does not feel under any pressure to deliver promotion this season.

The Sunderland boss says although he would gladly accept a place in the top flight next term he maintains it not an immediate priority as he is looking at the bigger picture of long-term success and building a team for the future.

He said: "I think at each and every club there is achievable targets. If you look at the changes that have been made over the last two years: we have a whole host of free transfers on the pitch; a £25,000 player; players we've taken from the lower leagues, and we're paying compensation, and they're doing terrific.

"They are good to work with and they're doing really well for the club. But sometimes you have top curb expectations because they sometimes exceed development.

"I'm not going to suggest to this group of players that we have to get promoted. We want to and they want to play in the Premier League but I'm not under any due pressure or stress to achieve it except from myself.

"There is no bigger critic of me than myself. I put myself under pressure to achieve and the players do, all the time.

"I don't know how many managers have lost their jobs and that is all down to people wanting results but I'm not sat around worrying about it.

"There is no five-year plan, but we are trying to create a young team that could perhaps achieve something not this season but certainly in the future.

"They have all had a year under their belts and I have seen an improvement under Stephen Wright, George McCartney and look at the improvement in (Kevin) Kyle. And some of the lads who have come to the club this year will be better next year. But I do want to get promoted this year."

McCarthy gave no indication to who will line up for the Black Cats this evening but did reveal Michael Bridges is still not ready to start his first game for the club.

"There might be a couple of changes but we'll have to wait and see," he said. "Bridges is not fully match fit yet. I don't think he can start and complete 90 minutes."

Stephen Elliott could feature this evening, however, the six-goal striker missed Saturday's game but declared himself fit for the trip to Vicarage Road.

Stephen Wright is another available after serving a ban while Liam Lawrence is pushing for a start after his impressive half-hour cameo in place of Dean Whitehead on Saturday.

* Jocky Scott is leaving his role as reserve team coach to join Plymouth as first team coach.

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