McCarthy targets championship

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy says the First Division championship must be the club's aim next season.

The Black Cats are guaranteed to finish the campaign with the lowest points total in Premiership history after suffering a 14th successive league defeat.

Changes will be made during the close season as McCarthy has often stated.

But he expects from those who stay, as well as those he brings in, hard graft in a bid for an instant top-flight return.

"I'm excited by next season," said McCarthy. "Whoever comes and whoever ends up staying I expect them back in Sunderland on July 2 raring to go and with the target of winning the championship.

"We have to set out with that target. I'm not saying we're going to win it, but that has to be our goal. Beyond that, the second promotion place.

"The club should be in the Premier League, but it doesn't always work like that. It is the team that gets there and stays there."