Julio Arca is turning into something of a lucky talisman for Sunderland this season.

The Argentinian defender, who has always had a magic touch in the eyes of Sunderland fans, returned from suspension on Saturday to help the Black Cats secure a place in the fifth round of the FA Cup for the third time in four years.

Arca has hit the winning goal in his last three appearances and he is making a poor job of persuading Mick McCarthy to revert him to left-back.

The 22-year-old, who is adamant that his best position is on the left side of defence, has scored three goals since moving into midfield at Rotherham in late December.

And since then, Sunderland have lost only once - when he was suspended! The simple answer is that Arca is equally as good in midfield.

The old adage that good players can play anywhere applies to the former Argentinos Juniors man and he will be a key player in Sunderland's run-in. Arca received an early birthday present at Portman Road (he is 23 next Saturday, when Sunderland take on Preston), from Ipswich keeper Kelvin Davis. It proved to be costly and critical.

There looked to be little danger when Jason McAteer, who could have been sent off late in the game, curled a free-kick straight into the arms of Davis, who managed to spill it and Arca was left with the easy task of slotting the ball over the line with his left foot to put Sunderland 2-0 up.

It was a clumsy piece of play by the Town keeper and McCarthy welcomed the stroke of luck.

He said: "We got a very fortunate break for our second goal, but we will take it gladly - it's the first one we have had for a while. It was overdue."

The goal came at the perfect time because, having gone 1-0 down on the stroke of half-time, Ipswich were putting the visitors under an increasing amount of pressure.

Having said that, the Black Cats were always in control and they defended as well as they have done all season. Phil Babb was outstanding, again, and the ever-reliable Joachim Bjorklund hardly put a foot wrong.

The truth is that both of these teams need to concentrate on the league but the FA Cup brings its own advantages. Sunderland's players and fans alike will tune into the fifth round draw today with a sense of excitement.

The added bonus of £75,000 in prize money for reaching the last 16 will be welcome at the Stadium of Light, and that will double of they can reach the last eight. Sunderland, of course, were in this position 12 months ago and out popped a home tie against Watford: surely an easy passage into the last eight.

Step forward Tommy Smith. He scored the winner for the Hornets at the Stadium of Light and they went on to reach the semi-finals before losing to Southampton. Smith, now in red and white colours, was instrumental in helping Sunderland win in Suffolk.

He produced an industrious performance and was rewarded by getting his second goal for the Black Cats - and it was a good goal. Darren Williams, who was only playing because of an injury to Stephen Wright, won a crunching tackle with Matt Richards, surged forward before picking out Smith with an accurate cross.

The 22-year-old did the rest, sending a first-time finish past Davis just before half-time. It was another well-timed goal but Ipswich came out with purpose after the break and Sunderland had to defend for 20 minutes until the Davis clanger handed McCarthy's men some breathing space.

Joe Royle's side managed a last-minute goal through substitute Martijn Reuser, to ensure a nervy finish for Sunderland.

For now, though, McCarthy is happy to look forward to today's draw. He said: "We are in a great position and who knows how far we can get? We might make a nice few quid out of it as well.

"I thought in the first half we played very well and for an away team we were not in control, but we were controlled.

"There were not a lot of chances, but we played well and kept possession well.

"The mistake by their keeper changed the game because it took the sting out of Ipswich for a time and we managed to keep possession and fortunately when we did lose a goal, it was a bit too late for Ipswich."

l Sunderland chairman Bob Murray has admitted he would be prepared to sell the club if he receives a suitable offer.

Murray, chairman of the Wearsiders for 17 years, said: ''If someone came in with serious money, we would sell the club for the right reasons.''