Sport

McCarthy prepared for battle of nerves

ENGLISH FA CUP/Sunderland v Millwall, Sunday, 1

Sat Apr 03 2004 - 01:00

ENGLISH FA CUP/Sunderland v Millwall, Sunday, 1.0: Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy believes tomorrow's FA Cup semi-final with Millwall will be decided by a battle of nerves.

The reward for the victors from the all-first division clash will be not only a final against either Arsenal or Manchester United but a guaranteed UEFA Cup place.

"It's a big occasion and I don't want to take anything away from that, but the closer it comes the more you think, 'here's a chance to play in the final', and then it can get to you, there's no question about it," McCarthy said. "It's a game for players to handle . . . (and) it's down to who handles it best on the day."

McCarthy, who began his managerial career at Millwall, said that while he was going all out for a Sunderland victory, he would wish the south-London side the best if they made it to the May final in Cardiff.

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"I had a great time at Millwall," said McCarthy. "Managing there was brilliant. It was something I really enjoyed. I enjoyed the passion of the fans. But now we want to go and win and get to the final. If we don't, then I'll wish them well. I've still got pals down there and if it wasn't going to be us I would be delighted for them."

McCarthy said while one of the bonuses of reaching the final would be a place in what could be potentially lucrative European competition next year, he was more interested in just winning.

"Someone asked about its financial reward, but I'd never even thought of it like that. The reward for winning on Sunday is the FA Cup final. If Europe comes along then that's fantastic."

Sunderland full-back Stephen Wright is rated at only 50-50 because of an ankle ligament problem. Striker Kevin Kyle is expected to recover from a stomach bug and John Oster, who withdrew from the Wales squad in midweek, should shake off a hamstring problem. Jeff Whitley is suspended and Darren Byfield is ineligible.

Andy Marshall will start in goal for Millwall. David Livermore should be fit despite suffering a shin injury in a collision with team-mate Danny Dichio. Paul Ifill should return to the starting line-up after scoring the equaliser as a substitute at Walsall.