MICHAEL BRIDGES was, in his younger days, a hero on Wearside. Today, as a member of the Hull City squad, he is plotting Sunderland's downfall.

After leaving Carlisle United in August for a £350,000 fee, Bridges took another step towards his ultimate goal of playing in the Premiership again.

But, even though he will be doing his level best to help improve Hull's perilous position at the foot of the Championship this afternoon, he wants to see first club Sunderland succeed in their attempts to return to the top-flight.

And, under Roy Keane's management and Niall Quinn's chairmanship, Bridges feel the Black Cats have the leadership required to turn things around for the long-term.

"Speaking to the lads at Sunderland, there's a belief there that under Roy Keane they can go on a run and at least make the play-offs," said Bridges, knowing Sunderland sit six points shy of the top six.

"The place has taken off and it's great that there's a bit of optimism about the place again after last season's problems. I wouldn't be surprised to see Sunderland having a really good second half to the season and challenging for promotion because the division is so tight."

Having played for both Newcastle and Sunderland, the North Tynesider insists he has been saddened by the positions occupied by his former clubs.

And, with his other old employers Leeds second bottom of the Championship, Bridges wants to see fortunes change pretty quickly at all three - and for Hull.

"The league table doesn't look great at the moment. We're bottom, my old club Leeds are next to bottom and Sunderland are in the bottom half," said Bridges.

"It's not much better in the Premiership, with Newcastle not going too well. Thank goodness, Carlisle are. I've got a soft spot for all my old clubs and I really want to see them all winning games, though obviously not at Hull's expense.

"But I've got a feeling the league table will look an awful lot different at the end of the season than it does now.

"I'd love to see Sunderland win promotion and get back to where they belong, Hull to pick up and finish in a good mid-table position and for Leeds to sort themselves out too."

Hull boss Phil Parkinson, brought up in Stockton, has introduced former Derby boss Phil Brown as his assistant and Bridges is hoping that changes his own personal situation.

The 26-year-old, who had two spells at Sunderland before being told he could leave by Mick McCarthy 18 months ago, has been omitted from the Hull starting line-up in the last two games.

But the goals have hardly flowed and he hopes to be involved today.

"Everyone wants to do well against their former club and I'm no different," said Bridges.

"It will be great to see some of the lads again and it should be a cracking atmosphere with Sunderland having sold out their allocation. I've certainly no regrets about joining Hull even though results haven't gone that well and I haven't scored since Leicester."