McCarthy faces race to land Healy

SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy is facing a race against time to make transfer target Colin Healy an offer he cannot refuse.

McCarthy has already held talks with the 23-year-old Republic of Ireland midfielder, who is available after his contract at Celtic expired. However, he admits he can do nothing until he reduces his existing squad beyond the handful of departures which have already taken place, and that could prove a major stumbling block.

“Colin Healy is someone I like and someone I have spoken to,” McCarthy said. “He would interest me when I’m in a position to get new faces.