Mick gets tough over pre-season errors

Mick McCarthy has told of his frustration at the errors by the players that have seen goals conceded during the pre-season tour, and matches lost as a result.

The Lads lost 4-2 to Kilmarnock yesterday in the final pre-season match - the fourth successive time they have leaked two goals or more in a match.

And Mick admitted that the back four were at fault: "I thought we were more likely to win it than they were but we defended badly, there's no argument. We made some bad mistakes and made some bad decisions and it has cost us.

But the gaffer singled out striker Michael Proctor for individual praise, saying "was a big bonus for us, I was delighted with him and there were positives in terms of our attacking play."

"But if we keep giving goals away it'll be tough. That's 10 we've conceded in our last four games.

"I'm sick of standing there and discussing the goals we have conceded. We'll get back on the training ground and get it right for Saturday."

Phillips: Four teams in talks

Sunderland AFC today confirmed that they are involved in discussions with four clubs who have expressed an interest in signing Kevin Phillips.

The four are believed to be Rangers, Middlesbrough, Charlton and Birmingham City. Rumours of a £2m bid from Southampton have largely been discounted.

However today's Sunday Sun speculates that Phillips does not want to move to either Charlton or Birmingham and is prepared to sit it out and see what other offers materialise when the talking is over.

Meanwhile Thomas Sorensen is said to be no nearer signing on the dotted line for Aston Villa. The Dane is allegedly trying to iron out problems regarding money owed to him by SAFC, and his agent has said "There's no change in the matter. It's a very delicate matter."