SUNDERLAND have already benefited from beachballs this season, now Burnley manager Brian Laws is plotting to turn their thoughts even more towards the summer holidays.

The Black Cats have little but pride to play for. After beating Liverpool thanks to a deflection off a stray inflatable in October they won only once more before embarking on a 14-game winless run, but began their recovery last month to all-but secure a fourth straight season in the Premier League.

The Clarets, on the other hand, are desperate to stay there for a second, and Laws is prepared to use mind games against his old pal Steve Bruce to achieve it.

He and the Sunderland boss go back a long way.

Teenage team-mates at Wallsend Boys Club, the pair were among a group of 20 who ventured to Turf Moor for a three-day trial which ultimately led to Laws beginning his professional career with the Clarets.

Bruce was forced to go elsewh-ere, with Gillingham taking a chance on the hard-working defender before he forged an outstanding career with Manchester United, via Norwich City.

They have stayed in touch ever since, following similar career paths into management, and go head-to-head for the first time in the top flight tomorrow.

“I saw him the other week and mentioned that I might send him a bucket and spade and some sand ... and some flipflops ... to think about his holidays,” smiled Laws.

“But I know that Steve’s very professional and he’ll want to finish off the season on a high.

“You look at Sunderland in particular – what a great squad of players they’ve got.

"They’ll be disappointed with the results that they’ve had of late but they’ve turned it round.

“Steve proved his mentality as a kid. He may not have been the most skilful player but he was strong mentally.

“He was way beyond his age for that, and that was probably what got him through in adversity when he was shown the door and the disappointment.

"He’s gone on and made a fantastic career for himself.”

Laws, however, is more concerned with Burnley’s agenda, and building on the feelgood of last week’s first away win, a resounding 4-1 romp at Hull.

“With a win, we’ve had a great week. The lads have been fantastic.

"But we’ve not taken our eye off it and thought it’s just a matter of turning up now. Not a chance,” said the 48-year-old.

“We have to highlight what got us the win and embrace that on our training side.

"That’s what we’ve been doing, and we’ve enjoyed it, and that’s been the difference ... there’s been a better feeling about the place, an extra spring in our step.

“That’s not just for ourselves but the supporters as well.

"They are starting to believe again and thinking we’ve still got a fighting chance, whereas a loss would have probably nailed it.

“That’s how important that win was for everybody concerned.”