SUNDERLAND goalkeeper Mart Poom praised the verve and versatility of Julio Arca after the Argentinian star emerged as a match-winner in Saturday's FA Cup clash with Hartlepool.

Arca's cultured 53rd-minute finish was all that separated the sides in an absorbing third-round tie.

After performing impressively at left-back this season, Arca has reverted to a wide midfield role as manager Mick McCarthy has been forced to shuffle his pack because of injuries.

Sunderland turned down a request from Argentina to release Arca for Under-23 duty at this month's South American Olympic qualifying competition.

Arca, 23 at the end of the month, confirmed the wisdom of the Black Cats' decision with his third goal of the season, and Poom said: "Julio is a very good player and very important to the team.

"He's had an excellent season so far at left-back but when he was suspended, George McCartney took his place. In the last two games, Julio has played left midfield and done well.

"He took his goal well and he has great ability and technique. He's very confident with the ball, as most South Americans are, but he's not afraid of physical challenges as well.

"He's a top player, but he's still very young and he can go from strength to strength.''

Arca, however, picked up his fifth booking this season and faces his third suspension of the campaign, having already been sent off twice.

Poom's contribution in the defeat of Pool was equally important, the towering Estonian making three vital saves and producing the prodigious clearance which led to Arca's decisive strike.

He said: "We expected a tough game and Hartlepool did well. They worked hard and made it very difficult for us.

"It was a derby game with the magic of the cup. It was exciting right to the final whistle and you have to give Hartlepool credit for making it a really good tie.

"There were a lot of Hartlepool fans here and it was nice to play in front of a big crowd again. We're pleased we don't have to go there for a replay because we have enough games already in the First Division.''

Poom is convinced a cup run could provide a spin-off for Sunderland's promotion prospects.

"If you have a good cup run, it can lift the whole season,'' he said. "Sheffield United, a First Division side, last season reached the semi-finals in both cup competitions.

"They lost in the play-off final, but the cup runs they had helped them. All in all, they had a very good season, so hopefully we can do the same.

"Promotion is still our main goal but we want to do well in the cup because it's a while since Sunderland had a good run in the competition.''

Poom, who has become something of a cult figure with the Wearside fans, added: "I have been enjoying the season and I'm pleased with my performances.

"Hopefully I'll stay fit and help Sunderland get back into the Premiership.

"We had a hard season last year and it was difficult to stay positive when we were losing week in, week out.

"There were a lot of changes in the summer, but the players here now are a close bunch and we stick together.

"You can't accuse anyone of a lack of determination or effort.

"You need good team spirit to do well in our division and in cup ties.

"A lot of younger players are getting a chance this season; Ben Clark came in for Jason McAteer on Saturday and did well.''

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