MICK McCarthy last night admitted that Sunderland's Whitburn training ground has been more like a health club than a football club in the run-up to today's Division One clash with Derby.

The game will complete a run of eight games in 24 days which have seen the Black Cats reach the last four of the FA Cup and move to within eight points of leaders Norwich and West Brom.

The hectic schedule hasn't had an adverse effect on McCarthy's side, with Sunderland having gone eight games unbeaten since last month's 4-0 reverse at Cardiff.

But it has meant a radical change to the training routine - with rest and recuperation replacing heading practice and hard graft.

"It's like a health farm without the fat people about," joked McCarthy. "We took the decision that, with the games coming up, there would be little or nothing done in terms of training.

"Sometimes the problem can be that we, as coaches, want to do something for our benefit rather than theirs.

"So we've resisted that temptation and, if lads have needed a massage, a bath or a swim, that's what they've been able to do. Playing so many games is keeping them fit anyway."

McCarthy has resisted the temptation to chop and change too much over the past month and the Black Cats boss has been quick to praise those who haven't been able to force their way into the first team.

"The support of the lads that haven't been playing has been vital," he said.

"If they start sulking because they're not playing and not training, that can have a really negative effect on the rest of the players.

"They haven't done that. They've been very supportive and, when they've needed to come in, they've come in and played well. Without that kind of support, it can go pear-shaped very quickly."

Changes will have to be made this afternoon though, with midfielder Jeff Whitley serving the first game of his five-match ban and right-back Stephen Wright ruled out because of the ankle injury sustained against Gillingham on Tuesday night.

Skipper George McCartney (ankle) will also lose his ever-present League record if he fails a late fitness test before kick-off.

Fit-again Julio Arca will replace McCartney if he misses out, while Jason McAteer will fight it out with new loan signing Carl Robinson for Whitley's vacant midfield berth.

"Carl's a very experienced player and he'll give us vital cover in the centre of midfield," said McCarthy.

"He's been out on loan to First Division clubs this season and he's done well at each and every one of them.

"I know Neil Warnock was quite keen to sign him for Sheffield United but couldn't arrange it, so I'm delighted to have him in."

Derby boss George Burley has injury concerns of his own as his side look to arrest a run of 15 away games without a win.

Jamie Vincent (hamstring), Richard Jackson (shoulder) and Marco Reich (hamstring) are all definitely ruled out, while defenders Michael Johnson and Jeff Kenna face a race against time to prove their fitness.

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