SUNDERLAND skipper George McCartney hopes to bury the memory of relegation when his team take on Birmingham this afternoon, writes Adam Muray.

Steve Bruce's side beat the Wearsiders 2-0 at St Andrews last term, a result that put the final nail in the coffin of Sunderland's four-season stay in the top-flight.

The Black Cats' relegation to Division One was a near-certainty when Mick McCarthy took over in March last year, but it was confirmed by goals from Christophe Dugarry and Bryan Hughes.

Some Sunderland players still bear the scars of that day - April 12, 2003 - but according to their skipper the club has come a long way since then.

McCartney was a squad player last season - coming on as a substitute at St Andrews - but is now a regular at the Stadium of Light.

McCartney, who was booked in a game that also saw Marcus Stewart red-carded, said: "It wasn't the greatest memory.

"They beat us 2-0 and that got us relegated. But our team has changed a lot and we have started playing as a team again.

"Our last two results haven't been that great, beaten at Millwall and a draw at Watford, but the performances haven't been bad.

"We're playing more attacking football and we are definitely full of confidence."

The team will need all that confidence and the backing of a big crowd today if they are to overcome Steve Bruce's side.

The Blues have cemented their Premiership place this season to the extent they are among a handful of clubs in with a chance of the fourth Champions League spot.

McCartney, however, appeared at odds with his manager, when he said: "We've got to be underdogs - Birmingham City are a Premiership club. It's a tough test but playing at home is a bonus.

"The League is the priority but we are hoping to keep the Cup run going. It would be great to play in the quarter-finals. It's something our fans will look forward to."

Read more about Sunderland here.