No charity for Arca - McCartney

Sunderland full-back George McCartney has warned close friend Julio Arca there will be no favours from him in Saturday's derby with Middlesbrough.

The duo were once team-mates on Wearside but McCartney, 27, is adamant that sentiment will not stand in the way of securing the three points.

"Me and Julio had a lot of good times and it'll be strange to play against him," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"Come Saturday the friendship goes out of the window."

McCartney made a shock return to the North East with a deadline-day move from West Ham United, having moved to the capital in August 2006, while Arca joined rivals Middlesbrough in July 2006.

The Northern Ireland international made his second 'debut' in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Wigan and admitted the suddenness of the move was a pleasant surprise.

"I had 10 years at Sunderland and had a lot of good times, and after the move away I never thought I would be back again," he said.

"Once I knew Sunderland were interested in me, I was more than happy to return."

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