Bridges makes way ‘home’ to Sunderland

STRIKER Michael Bridges last night sealed a return to his first club Sunderland as Mick McCarthy’s search for firepower finally paid dividends.

The 26-year-old, who scored 21 goals in 92 appearances for the Black Cats before his £5million move to Leeds in July 1999, has returned to Wearside in a bid to rebuild his career after horrendous injury problems.

He has signed a three-month loan deal with a view to securing a permanent contract and could even be included in the squad for tonight’s Coca-Cola Championship clash with his former club at Elland Road.

“I’m excited to be back,” he said.

“It’s amazing how things work out in football.

“The fact that I started my career here and had such a good rapport with the fans were two big reasons for me coming back.”

Bridges’ arrival - Sunderland lost out to Bolton in the race to recruit him during the summer - brings an end to a search which has seen McCarthy run the rule over a series of strikers, including such players as Nathan Blake, David Connolly and Mark Burchill.