DARREN BYFIELD completed his move to Sunderland and was swiftly hailed as 'something different' by new boss Mick McCarthy last night.

Byfield goes straight into the squad for today's trip to Watford following the player-exchange deal which saw Michael Proctor move to Rotherham United.

The 27-year-old striker, who was out of contract at Millmoor in June, has signed until the end of the season and will battle with Kevin Kyle, Tommy Smith and Marcus Stewart for a place up front.

Speedy Byfield, who boasts Aston Villa among his six former clubs, has joined Sunderland after Rotherham rejected a bid from Derby County.

And McCarthy is delighted to have added new blood in the shape of a Jamaican international who has four caps for his country.

"Darren has played well against us twice this season and will offer us blistering pace," said McCarthy, whose defenders stopped Byfield from scoring in both fixtures.

"I wouldn't bring him in if I didn't think he bettered our squad. He's a great addition to the side and will give us healthy competition for places."

One player determined to fight off the challenge from Byfield, who has eight goals this season, is Smith.

The former Watford star has played the last three games for the Black Cats and he grabbed one of the goals in the 2-1 win over Ipswich in the FA Cup in their last outing.

After being patient since his summer switch from the Hornets, Smith is in no mood to relinquish his place.

"Hopefully I can get a decent run up front and get some more goals," he said.

"I have a couple now and I want one on Saturday," added Smith, who has been part of a Sunderland side who have lost just two in 11 matches.

"Since just before Christmas we have had a great run so hopefully we can keep that going. The Millwall game was a setback for us when we lost 2-1 but we have forgotten about that now."

When Smith left Watford, today's opponents, at the start of the campaign it brought to an end six years at the club where he started his career.

His brother Jack will be playing against him at Vicarage Road this afternoon and there will be a large contingent of family and friends in the stands to witness the duel.

Tommy admits he would love to find the net on his return to Watford and put one over his brother along the way.

"It was time for me to move on," said the 23-year-old.

"I had good times there but for me it was just about trying to find a bigger and better club. I have done that and I am pleased the way things have worked out for me.

"I want Watford to do well every week, I always look for the results, you have to when your brother still plays there. It makes you keep an eye on what's happening.

"It was one of the first fixtures I looked for when I first signed and I am really looking forward to going down there and playing against old friends.

"More importantly, we have to go down there and pick up three points.

"It would be great to score against them. The banter has been bubbling up in recent weeks so it will be good to see what happens on the pitch and then we can go out for a drink afterwards, no matter what happens."

Sunderland boss McCarthy has Gary Breen available for selection again but the Irishman will have to bide his time for a first-team recall.

The form of Joachim Bjorklund and Phil Babb at the heart of the defence has ensured Breen can take his time in regaining full fitness.

McCarthy has been impressed with the attitude shown by Bjorklund, particularly after the Swede turned down the chance of moving to Italian side Siena last month.

"There was interest in Jocky to go during the transfer window," said McCarthy. "He said he wanted to stay here because there might be an exiting end to the season and I thought that was fantastic."

Sunderland go into today's match fourth, seven points behind an automatic promotion place.

Watford, meanwhile, are just one point above Nottingham Forest, who occupy the final relegation place.

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