Thornton: I let my football do the talking

Sunderland rising star Sean Thornton said he was disappointed to be left on the bench at first for last night's penultimate pre-season friendly - but hopes his football has given Mick McCarthy a reminder of the job he's more than capable of doing.

Thornton, 20, told Sunderland's official website: "I'm always confident that I can score in that situation. I let my football do the talking.

"The gaffer has given no indication as to who will be in the starting line up at Forest a week on Saturday but it goes without saying that I want to be there.

"There will be high expectations next season but I am looking forward to the challenge of meeting them and if I can play like I did when I came on last night then I will be quite happy."

And he admitted he was pleased with his stunning 25 yard free kick only two minutes after taking to the field. "Yes, it was one of my better goals - it was a free-kick that I have worked on on the training ground and it was pleasing to see it come off. I don't think there was any luck involved really.

And McCarthy has singled Thornton out for praise after his morale-raising performance, saying "Sean's certainly got that ability to nick a goal. He delivers good free-kicks and crosses and has that ability to beat the keeper from 25 yards,which is something he has shown today."