Match Day: Mick McCarthy on Stoke City V Sunderland AFC

Last updated : 29 November 2004 By John Jenkin
Mick McCarthy

"There have been some good team performances in recent weeks.

Today was difficult. We had to break down Stoke who were tough and resolute, I expected that.

It looked like it would fizzle out to a draw and that's why I made my substitutions - to try to win the game and it has worked.

We needed fresh legs, fresh ideas. It's come from a corner kick, which I'm sure Tony [Pulis] won't be happy with because of all the big lads they have in the team, but Bridgey came in and stole his goal.

He's come close and that will do him a lot of good. It gets the monkey off his back.

I spoke to Browny [Chris Brown] the other day, saying sometimes it's unfortunate when you come on and do have an impact you find yourself sat on the bench - and it's the same with Bridgy.

They can only keep coming on and keep having an impact and pushing for a starting place.

We are third in the league, we keep winning games so there's not a great deal they can complain about. To be fair they are not complaining. Of course everyone wants to be in the team.

If we continue to play like that we'll be okay."