MARCUS STEWART last night vowed to banish the memory of Sunderland's season of shame.

Despite two successive relegations from the Premiership, first with Ipswich Town and then Sunderland, Stewart is remaining upbeat about life in the Nationwide League.

Mick McCarthy has already earmarked Stewart as a crucial member of his squad as he looks for the team to improve on their woeful recent scoring record.

And the 30-year-old, whose side play their first pre-season friendly at Durham City today, is relishing the chance to prove himself again.

He said: "I'm positive, even though we were relegated last season. The only way forward is to put those things behind us.

"We were officially the worst side in the history of the Premiership and that's not a nice thing to be involved with.

"We also had the lowest number of goals for a Premiership team and we want to put that right if we can.

"I know there will be a lot of expectation on me. I suppose I'm the most experienced striker here, age-wise.

"I just want to play football and start enjoying it. Last year wasn't very enjoyable in that we were relegated and I didn't play in my best position.

"But that's behind us and hopefully this year will be a lot different. We'll forget about last season after five or ten games if we're playing well.

"My target for as long as I can remember has been to get a goal every two games. I don't think I've ever done it, but that's still my goal."

Joachim Bjorklund, who was made available on a free transfer by McCarthy at the end of last season, is interesting Villarreal.

Bjorklund is keen to return to Spain, having played for Valencia between 1998 and 2001.

Bernt Haas's move to West Bromwich Albion was put on ice yesterday after the player failed to negotiate a pay-off from Sunderland.

A Black Cats spokesperson said: "We have asked Bernt Haas to come back to Sunderland because personal terms have not been agreed between all parties.

"This is not a problem between the clubs because a fee has been agreed with West Bromwich Albion."

Kevin Phillips is expected to line up for Sunderland against Durham City this afternoon.

* Former Sunderland defender Stanislav Varga has signed a two-year deal with Celtic.

The Slovakian international joined the Hoops in February as a free agent following a trial spell after he became surplus to requirements at Sunderland.

Varga said: ''I'm very happy to have signed. Now I am just looking forward to helping Celtic to win some trophies because, at any club, and especially one as big as this, that is always the most important thing.

''Last season was still a great one in many ways, but it is gone now and we have to try to move forward.''

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