SUNDERLAND'S Julio Arca has promised to start the season with a bang in order to make up for the disappointment of missing out on his Olympic dream.

The versatile left-footer had hoped to be named in Argentina's squad for the Olympic football tournament that gets underway in Athens on August 11.

But, while teammate Nicolas Medina was included in the travelling party named by coach Marcelo Bielsa earlier this week, Arca found himself surprisingly overlooked.

The 23-year-old had hoped to use the Olympic competition as a springboard to the full national team, but his loss is Sunderland's gain as he will now be available for the opening month of the Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

And, while the South American admits to being frustrated at his lack of international opportunities, he is determined to channel all his efforts into ensuring Sunderland make the best possible start to their push for the Premiership.

"It was an ambition of mine to be named by the coach," said Arca, who was part of the Sunderland squad that returned to England yesterday following their ten-day tour of the United States. "But it is difficult because there are a lot of good players in Argentina."

"It would have been nice because, like every player, I want to play for my country.

"The Olympics is a very big tournament and it would be a big honour to play at such an event. To not be going is very disappointing, but that is the decision.

"All I can do now is to give my best for Sunderland and try to help the team make a good start to the season."

Arca, about the enter the final year of his current deal, is currently involved in contract discussions with the Black Cats.

Sunderland are desperate to prevent him leaving for nothing for next summer, but Arca is keen to concentrate on matters on the pitch for the time being.

"I'm really looking forward to the season now," he said. "I think we can be successful this year.

"Automatic promotion is our aim - we gave it everything last season and it was so disappointing not to go up.

"This time we will do our best to avoid the play-offs and go up as one of the top two. Everybody at the club wants to be back up in the Premiership and that is what I'm focusing on now."

Arca played the full 90 minutes as Sunderland ended their pre-season tour with a 3-0 win over the Wilmington Hammerheads on Wednesday night.

Full-back Stephen Wright headed the Black Cats ahead in the 62nd minute, with midfielder Jeff Whitley doubling their advantage two minutes later.

Teenager Neil Teggart wrapped up the win in injury-time, but Sunderland's tour of the United States has come at a cost.

New signing Liam Lawrence damaged his ankle ligaments in the club's final training session and is set to miss the opening two weeks of the season.

Scans have revealed no long-term damage, but Lawrence is definitely out of the opening day clash at Coventry on Saturday, August 7.

"Liam was devastated when it happened because he said he heard a crack and the initial fear was that it was a nasty one.

"He had to be stretchered off and everyone was concerned, but he had a bit of good news in that we believe it is something that should settle in three or four weeks rather than months."

* Liverpool travel to the USA for a vital ''bonding'' trip tomorrow with new coach Rafael Benitez insisting Sami Hyypia is not for sale.

The Finnish defender has been the subject of interest from Barcelona, whose president Joan Laporta has said: ''We need a central defender and Sami Hyypia is on our list.

''We think Liverpool might be open to doing business.''

But Liverpool have flatly rejected the prospect of selling Hyypia as Benitez reviews the squad he has inherited from Gerard Houllier.

A spokesman said: ''Sami Hyypia is just not for sale, it is as simple as that. And we have had no contact with Barcelona.''

* Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has revealed he will not be handing a contract to former Newcastle defender Steve Howey.

The 32-year-old linked up with the Blades on their pre-season tour of Cornwall but did not feature in the final match against Bodmin on Wednesday.

Warnock said: ''Steve is a bit short of fitness and wouldn't be ready for the start of the season. I had a chat with him and we both thought it would be silly to risk him for half a game when he has a contract offer in America.''

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