Mathis gets Sunderland trial

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy is running the rule over United States international Clint Mathis as he attempts to add firepower to his squad.

The 27-year-old striker, who has scored 11 goals in 34 appearances for his country, arrived on Wearside yesterday after trials at Leicester and Rangers failed to result in contract offers.

Mathis’ chance comes after McCarthy decided not to offer a deal to former Bristol Rovers and Reading hitman Jamie Cureton after his week training with the Black Cats.

The American will spend three days in the north-east trying to persuade the former Republic of Ireland boss that he has what it takes to provide competition for Marcus Stewart, Tommy Smith, Kevin Kyle and Michael Proctor.

Sunderland are in the race for promotion back to the Premiership after putting together a run of four successive league wins, but goals have been at a premium and McCarthy has spent much of the last few months looking at striking options.

He has already had an £800,000 (€1,155,275) bid for Huddersfield’s Jon Stead turned down, although his interest in the player is not yet at an end.