Mick - "Thornton is still a Sunderland player"

Mick McCarthy has been speaking again about the on/off Sean Thornton transfer saga, and hinted that the young Irishman still has a role to play in Sunderland's promotion efforts.

Before last Saturday's game againt Preston, McCarthy said he hadn't received the written transfer request that Thornton's agent said would be arriving, and hinted that either the player or his manager were using the media announcement of a transfer to "test the water"; and speaking to the Sunday Sun today, McCarthy said that he STILL hasn't received a written transfer request, over a week after the initial reports.

His agent had put something in the press, effectively asking for a transfer through the media - but I have not been able to contact his agent since. I can only assume Sean actually wants a transfer until I have some contact with his agent, but, as I say, I haven't spoken to him so I don't know.

"Sean is still a Sunderland player. He played well for us at Crewe in the Carling Cup", continued Mick.

"It's what I would expect from a professional. He got his opportunity to get back in the side and he's taken it."