Bruce (left) and McCarthy have both managed at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has paid tribute to former Black Cats manager Mick McCarthy as his side prepare to meet McCarthy's Wolves side on Sunday.

McCarthy managed Sunderland for four years, between 2003 and 2006, and Bruce believes his work at the club in that time should be applauded.

"I've the hugest of respect for him," he told BBC Newcastle.

"He did a decent job under difficult circumstances. He got the club promoted and he's done the same with Wolves."

Sunderland have nine points from their first six games, with Wolves just two points further back, and Bruce says there is no room for complacency.

"As I keep saying, his team will want to come up here and make sure they turn us over, and we'll have to guard against that," he said.

"We need to go and play for ourselves, we're selfish like that - that's what management's about.

"If we can get 12 points out of seven games going into October that'll be a wonderful start, as we've got Manchester United and Liverpool coming up."

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