MICK McCarthy last night hailed Carl Robinson's resilience after the Sunderland midfielder shook off a nasty head injury to fire the Black Cats to fourth place in the Championship table after a 1-0 win at Leeds.

The Wales international was stretchered off in a neck brace during last weekend's 3-1 win at Preston after a sickening clash of heads.

But, despite being eased back into training this week, Robinson was back in the starting line-up at Elland Road.

And, after a typically committed midfield display, his well-taken second-half strike earned Sunderland their second away win of the season.

A quick one-two with Stephen Elliott left the midfielder clear in the penalty box, and his assured drive flashed across Neil Sullivan and into the bottom corner.

"It was a surprise to me to see him playing given what happened last Saturday," admitted McCarthy. "We didn't really know what shape he was going to be in.

"He came in and he was stiff and sore, but he wasn't concussed. He's taken it nice and easy this week - he's had a nice gentle week and we've looked after him.

"He's a good footballer. Stephen Elliott played him in well for the goal, but it was a nice finish.

"I had him on loan at the end of last season and, while I let other players go, I thought Carl had a bit about him. I thought he had a goal in him and he's proved me right."

Robinson's goal was ultimately the difference between two well-matched sides, but Sunderland's win was only possible thanks to a fine save penalty save from Mart Poom.

The Black Cats were on the wrong end of a penalty shoot-out defeat at Crewe on Tuesday but, after Stephen Caldwell had wrestled Clarke Carlisle to the floor, the Estonian international produced an excellent low save to keep out Brett Ormerod's tame spot-kick.

"It's strange the way it happens," said McCarthy. "But it wasn't a well-struck penalty. I'm not taking the credit away from Poomy but - those penalties that were taken on Tuesday night - there was nobody stopping them.

"You've got two determined lads tussling for the ball, but if the referees are going to give them all then fine by me.

"Give them all - anybody who pulls, anybody who holds, anybody who blocks - there'll certainly be a lot more goals scored. But give them in both boxes."

The success lifted Sunderland into fourth place in the Championship table - a dramatic turnaround from when they were languishing in 17th spot at the end of August.

McCarthy was coming in for criticism as the Black Cats failed to hit the ground running but, with the club's promotion push back on track, the Sunderland boss is hoping to enjoy a more relaxed Saturday afternoon after last night's win.

"Four league games ago, there was talk of me being under pressure," he said. "That was the feeling around the place. There was a bit of apathy, although I always believed that we were better than the points tally we had.

"I think the catalyst for it was the Reading game, even though we got done. We've built on that performance. It's a much nicer position to be in and maybe I can go and enjoy my weekend a bit more now."

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