Still no cheer on the Wear for McCarthy

SO, Mick McCarthy still awaits his first Premier League victory at the Stadium of Light.

Quite how his Wolverhampton Wanderers side contrived to lose this close contest by a three-goal margin was beyond most rational observers, but it was perhaps an injustice which summed up the former Republic of Ireland international’s roller-coaster three-year Wearside reign, during which he was unable to oversee a three-point haul on home soil in the top flight, the fact of which he does not like to be reminded.

Steve Bruce was almost embarrassed to take the plaudits after a three-goal burst in the final 20 minutes halted a stirring Wolves fight-back to put a flattering slant on the scoreline for the hosts, who appeared to be cruising to victory thanks to penalties at the start of each half from Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones – both earned by the England striker.