Jeff Whitley last night admitted he is facing a fight for his starting place at the Stadium of Light but warned his midfield rivals that he will not surrender his first-team shirt lightly. With Carl Robinson and Dean Whitehead having both impressed Mick McCarthy during Sunderland's tour of the United States, competition will be fierce as the Black Cats manager makes his final preparations for the forthcoming Coca-Cola Championship campaign. All three players are keen to secure a central midfield role for the new-season opener at Coventry City on August 7, while Sean Thornton is also determined to force his way into McCarthy's plans. Yet only two will get the nod at Highfield Road and Whitley, who established himself as a major player on Wearside last term, is determined to ensure he is not one of the disappointed parties. "There is a lot of competition, especially in the midfield, but I want to be in that team on August 7," said the former Manchester City schemer, who signed a new contract with the Black Cats this summer. "I know it won't be easy because the other players all want the same thing. It's up to me to use the remainder of pre-season to prove to the manager that he should pick me. "It's important to have a big squad, particularly in midfield where the majority of the tackling is done, because players will pick up injuries over the course of the season. "We have good competition in that area and, while everybody is fit, there will be a fight to win a place in the team." The ankle ligament injury sustained by Liam Lawrence in the United States on Wednesday demonstrated the need to have cover for all positions. The midfielder will miss the start of the season and could spend a number of weeks recovering from a freak training ground incident. Lawrence's injury was the only negative of a 12-day stay in America. McCarthy and his players returned to the UK yesterday but with an electrical storm delaying their flight out of North Carolina, the Sunderland squad missed their connection at Gatwick and were late arriving back into Newcastle. It was a minor complication at the end of what should prove a useful exercise. Team spirit and fitness levels have been improved in the United States and McCarthy is confident the Black Cats will reap the benefits. Three domestic friendlies, at Barnsley, Scunthorpe and Doncaster, must be negotiated before the eagerly-anticipated trip to Coventry to face Peter Reid's side in two weeks time. "I was delighted to sign a new contract at Sunderland and I'm focused on the job ahead now and I'm determined to help the club push on for promotion," added Whitley. "There were plenty of talks with the club and it was just a case of finalising it. As much as we had a good season last year, it had a disappointing end and we don't want that to happen this season. We are looking for top spot. There are some big clubs in this league and we are one of them. "We have to make sure we are right up there with the best of them but we have nothing to fear." The Black Cats will head to Barnsley on Monday and will continue their preparations against Scunthorpe at Glanford Park on Thursday. Next Sunday's trip to Doncaster will be the final fixture before the start of the Coca-Cola Championship. | 
