Sunderland out of the Cup

Sunderland Reserves have withdrawn from the Durham Challenge Cup
because of a growing injury list at the club.

The Black Cats were due to play Bishop Auckland in round
three in Durham tomorrow.

But with a heavy fixture schedule ahead, and with a
number of injury and suspension problems, Mick McCarthy has decided to
take insurance and retire from the tournament.

McCarthy was down to 17 available professionals for
Sunderland's FA Cup tie with Hartlepool United on Saturday and the
Sunderland boss is reluctant to take further risks.

A Sunderland spokesperson said: "It's with regret that
we have had to withdraw from the competition. We'd like to apologise to
Bishop Auckland for the short notice of the decision but with a
heavy fixture schedule looming and with a lot of injuries at the club
there was little option."