Proctor: I needed regular football

Local lad Michael Proctor today revealed why he was happy to go along with SAFC's plans to swap him with Rotherham's Darren Byfield.

Proctor had become a regular on the bench for SAFC this season, despite being prolific for the reserves side and the calls from many Sunderland supporters to play him up front to give some impetus to the club's promotion push.

But last week he was withdrawn from the reserves side to play Leeds at the Archibalds' Stadium in Durham, despite his name even being on the team sheet - and the following day his transfer to Millmoor was all but sealed.

Proctor told the Sunderland Echo, "It's difficult to leave a great club like Sunderland – but this offers me the chance to play regular football and that's all I've ever really wanted.

"It was a difficult decision, but made easier for me by the fact that Ronnie Moore made it clear that he wanted me and how much I was going to be part of his plans.

"The manager has shown faith in me by coming in for me and playing me from the start and as a result of that I want to repay his faith."

And the Sunderland-born player got off to a good start by netting twice on his debut, prompting his new gaffer Ronnie Moore to say, "Michael's a lad who will work his socks off . He's only 23, a baby really, but I think he will prove to be a better player for us than Darren Byfield."

Moore's comments echo Rotherham's apparent irritation at Byfield's refusal to sign a new contract with the Yorkshire club. The Millers have issued a statement refuting recent rumours broadcast on a local radio station that they were anxious to offload the player. Rotherham say that Byfield was offered new terms equal to those that had already been accepted by Rotherham's two senior professionals, but that the player had refused them. The Millers' statement said, "The player was offered new terms in accordance with his valuation but they were rejected as being well below what the agent was demanding."

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International call-ups for SAFC players

Sunderland midfielder Jason McAteer has been recalled to the Irish Squad for the forthcoming friendly match against Brazil.

Ireland will take on the World Champions at Lansdowne Road, Dublin on
Wednesday 18th February.

McAteer has been capped 51 times and last represented his country in
September 2002 against Russia in Moscow.

Black Cats goalkeeper Thomas Myhre has been selected for the Norwegian squad that takes on Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Wednesday
February 18th 2004. The game will see Myhre pitched against Club
team-mates George McCartney and Jeff Whitley.

Myhre becomes the fifth Sunderland player to be called up for international duty for the forthcoming friendly fixtures.

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NORTHERN IRELAND SQUAD:

Goalkeepers
Maik Taylor - Birmingham City FC
Roy Carroll - Manchester Utd FC
Defenders
George McCartney - Sunderland AFC
Aaron Hughes - Newcastle Utd FC
Chris Baird - Southampton FC
Peter Kennedy - Wigan Athletic FC
Colin Murdock - Hibernian FC
Danny Griffin - Stockport County FC
Stephen Craigan - Motherwell FC
Mark Williams - Wimbledon FC
Midfielders
Keith Gillespie - Leicester City FC
Michael Hughes - Crystal Palace FC
Steve Jones - Crewe Alexandra FC
Jeff Whitley - Sunderland AFC
Philip Mulryne - Norwich City FC
Damien Johnson - Birmingham City FC
Danny Sonner - Nottingham Forest
Forwards
David Healy - Preston North End FC
Andrew Smith - Glentoran FC
Andrew Kirk - Heart of Midlothian FC
Gary Hamilton - Portadown FC
Stuart Elliott - Hull City FC
Paul McVeigh - Norwich City FC
James Quinn Willem II FC

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD:

Carr (Tottenham Hotspur),
Carsley (Everton),
Connolly (West Ham United),
Cunningham (Birmingham City),
Delap (Southampton),
Doherty (Tottenham Hotspur),
Duff (Chelsea),
Dunne (Manchester City),
Given (Newcastle United),
Finnan (Liverpool),
Harte (Leeds United),
Holland (Charlton Athletic),
Kavanagh (Cardiff City),
Keane (Tottenham Hotspur),
Kenny (Sheffield United),
Kilbane (Everton),
Lee (Cardiff City),
McAteer (Sunderland)
Morrison (Birmingham City),
Murphy (West Bromwich Albion),
O’Brien (Newcastle United),
O’Shea (Manchester United),
Reid (Nottingham Forest).

SAFC confirm arrangements for Stokoe tributes

Sunderland AFC today announced plans to pay tribute to former manager
Bob Stokoe at the forthcoming FA Cup 5th round tie against Birmingham
City on Saturday 14th February at the Stadium of Light.

The Club was deeply saddened by the recent death of its former manager
and felt it appropriate that supporters and Club officials be given the
opportunity to pay their respects to one of SAFC's most respected
figures.

A period of silence will be observed prior to kick off, with Sunderland
players sporting traditional black armbands as a mark of respect. A
short film tribute is to be played throughout the day on the concourse
televisions, documenting the famous Cup Final victory of 1973 and
excerpts from the original radio commentary of the game will be played
across the Stadium PA System.

The Football Association have kindly agreed to loan the FA Cup trophy to
the Club on the day and it will be displayed in Stadium Reception during
the afternoon.

Members of the victorious 1973 side will be guests of the Club and
goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery is to carry the trophy to the centre circle
and join both teams as they observe the period of silence prior to kick
off.

A commemorative pullout section dedicated to Bob Stokoe has been
included in 'Red and White' the Club's match programme.

Vice Chairman John Fickling said:
"Bob was held in the highest regard by Sunderland Football Club and it's
fans and he will be fondly remembered by all. Saturday's FA Cup game
will be the most fitting time for us all to come together and remember
with affection a wonderful man and inspirational manager."

Bob Stokoe's daughter Karen will be the Club's guest of honour for the
day.