McCarthy - no Thornton exit request yet

Mick McCarthy revealed today that disenchanted midfielder Sean Thornton has yet to hand in a formal transfer request.

The Irish U21's agent said earlier this week that Thornton was unhappy with his current situation at Sunderland and would be putting in a written transfer request, but in his regular Friday press conference today, McCarthy said such a request has still to arrive.

"I have not received (a request) yet - I've just been told through the media! If he wants to move on, we'll deal with it.

And the gaffer hinted that the player's attitude may have been a problem.

"Like the Real Madrid coach once said, I want players at this club who want to play for this name on the front of the shirt - Sunderland - not the name on the back.

"I have my opinions on all players but I don't think it's right to share them in public.

"The lads who are in the team are doing very well."