AS one of the few managers not to have been considered for the vacant position at Portsmouth, Mick McCarthy has been forced to accept that his stock has fallen dramatically because of Sunderland's shocking start to the season.

But, while an increasingly desperate Milan Mandaric does not covet his qualities, the Sunderland manager retains the support of a chairman rather closer to home.

Despite Wednesday night's loss to Liverpool making it eight defeats in a row, McCarthy is confident he continues to enjoy the backing of Bob Murray.

The pair have held a number of recent talks in which they have discussed Sunderland's perilous position at the foot of the Premiership.

They have developed a close relationship since McCarthy moved to Wearside in 2003 and, while Murray sacked Peter Reid despite considering him a close friend, there has been no suggestion that the current boss is about to suffer a similar fate.

"I've got a very good relationship with Bob and the board," said McCarthy, who was dining with Murray when he was injured in an incident at a restaurant in Newcastle last Friday night. "He's been very supportive from day one and that feeling is mutual.

"Like me and everybody else connected with the club, I know that Bob is feeling very down. It's even more sad for him because he's a fan of Sunderland as well.

"Of course rumblings start and I fully understand them. The nature of the game is that there is pressure, and outside influences tend to put more and more pressure on the manager.

"I've not had any of that from Bob or any other individual at the football club. We're all pulling in the same direction and it's got to be that way."

At the end of last season, McCarthy would almost certainly have been named as a potential successor to Alain Perrin.

But, while Portsmouth have sought permission to approach Neil Warnock following his exploits in the Championship, they have shown no interest in making a move for McCarthy.

The Yorkshireman is experienced enough to laugh off his fall from grace, joking that he is part of a select band not to have been considered.

And, despite Sunderland's current plight, he insists he would love to be responsible for their fortunes in 12 months' time.

"I think I'm one of the few managers Milan Mandaric hasn't approached for the job," laughed McCarthy. "Maybe I should be a bit worried about that. There are 92 of us and I haven't had the call.

"But I'm not looking for a phone call from anybody. We're having a tough time, but I'd like to still be here at this time next year.

"Whether that's the case or not, we shall see. All I can do is go in and do the job to the best of my ability. If that is good enough and acceptable, fantastic. If it isn't, then I know what happens.

"If somebody comes to me and says 'That's not good enough, we're going to change it', such is life. But I don't think it helps anybody to start speculating on what may or may not happen."

When you are bottom of the league, speculation is inevitable. McCarthy's Premiership record reads played 24, lost 21, yet, during the second half of Wednesday's defeat, it was Murray that bore the brunt of the fans' frustration.

"Bob is feeling it at the minute," countered McCarthy. "We know it affects the fans on a daily basis, and I'm sure it's affecting Bob in exactly the same way.

"I feel responsible for the team and I'm sure Bob feels responsible for the club. Like me and everybody else, he's working very hard to try to turn things around."

Sunderland's next attempt at salvation comes at Tottenham tomorrow. McCarthy is desperate to include some of his more senior figures at White Hart Lane, but has already conceded that neither Stephen Elliott nor Julio Arca will be fit enough to play.

"Stephen's unlikely," he said. "It would be nice to have him back to be involved at some stage, but I think it's a little bit too soon.

"Julio won't make it either - we're probably looking at Charlton or beyond. He's only had two or three training sessions in the last eight weeks so we don't want to rush him back."

McCarthy has also admitted that George McCartney is unlikely to feature until mid-January at the earliest.

* Republic of Ireland midfielder Graham Kavanagh has urged the Football of Association of Ireland to quickly make up their mind over a new manager.

The FAI yesterday announced their first friendly of next year, with Sweden to visit Lansdowne Road on March 1, while Holland have also been pencilled in for August 16.

Kavanagh feels it is vital the FAI have Brian Kerr's successor in place by the time the Swedes head to Dublin. It is now six weeks since the FAI took the decision not to renew Kerr's contract.

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