MICK McCARTHY has revealed that he is already identifying transfer targets as he prepares Sunderland for life in the First Division.

Defeat at Birmingham City today will confirm the Black Cats' relegation.

But manager McCarthy is convinced that, through shrewd wheeling and dealing, he can revitalise the club next season.

The former Republic of Ireland boss knows he faces the prospect of losing his prize assets, striker Kevin Phillips and goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen.

But he insists: "I'm still confident I can get it right. If I can do the right deals in the summer to enable me to get money in, I think I can turn things around.Hopefully I can get players in who are going to play 40 games a season and we won't have such a long injury list.

"I haven't come in with a wish-list, but we already have targets. We're assessing people who might be available from the Premiership, reserve-team football, the First Division and non-league.

"I'm just looking at players from the British Isles, because we can't cover all of Europe.

"We're looking at younger players, maybe ones who can progress in the game.''

McCarthy reckons Sunderland's infrastructure and support will be the envy of Division One rivals.

He said: "If we're in the First Division, we might find that the other 23 clubs will be looking at us and feeling envious.

"We still have magnificent facilities and a fantastic fanbase.''

McCarthy admits he is keen to showcase young talent in the remainder of the season.

Ashington-born midfielder Chris Black, 20, has been drafted into the squad and McCarthy said: "He can play wide right or wide left. He's just someone who has impressed me in the reserves.

"We're down on numbers because of injuries and I would like to have a look at the younger players here.

"If we're going down, we want to go down kicking and screaming. It's about self-respect and pride, individually and collectively.''

Although fourth-bottom Birmingham are still in relegation trouble themselves, McCarthy praised the way counterpart Steve Bruce has strengthened his side since promotion last season, adding flair to steel with the signing of France striker Christophe Dugarry. "They used the transfer window well,'' said McCarthy.

"Dugarry was a good acquisition; I've liked what I've seen of him. He's not some pretentious superstar like a lot of people think. He's been very hard-working, and that's indicative of the whole of their squad.''

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