And although the club’s financial problems mean he may have to wait for players to be sold before he can sign, he has been assured he has a future at the Stadium of Light.

“I was very pleased with Jeff Whitley,” McCarthy told the club’s official website, www.safc.com. “He hasn’t signed yet – but he will be doing.

“He knows the position I’m in. He understands, but he wants to play here, for Sunderland and for me, and the feeling is mutual.”

The Black Cats continue to work feverishly behind the scenes in a bid to cut their expenditure, but as speculation continues over possible movements admit they are having to be patient.

Kevin Phillips, who has a minor ankle injury, and fellow transfer targets Thomas Sorensen and Gavin McCann, as well as Jason McAteer and Kevin Kilbane, were all missing at York, but McCarthy insisted their absence was of no significance.

And as he continued planning for the new season, he again admitted his delight with the attitude of his players.

“I think the attitude of the players has been first-class – even from coming in last season,” he added.

“I know we lost nine games, but I saw a real good spirit in the team and a work ethic. We just weren’t good enough at the end of the day.

“I didn’t know what to expect when I came back for pre-season, but it has continued.”