SUNDERLAND winger Kevin Kilbane last night described his Republic of Ireland teammate Niall Quinn as "a legend" after his match-winning performance in the 1-0 home victory over Blackburn Rovers.

The lanky striker - 35 next month - came on as a second-half substitute to head the decisive goal and then clear off his own goalline to deny Rovers a point on their first visit to the Stadium of Light.

Quinn might be in the twilight of his career but Kilbane believes he still has a lot to offer Ireland and Sunderland.

"We need his experience and his talent - he is the sort of player who can influence everyone around him," said Kilbane.

"When he is fully fit and feeling good I think he is going to be in the starting line-up nine times out of ten.

"He has so much influence on other players and lads coming through can look at Niall and see what he has achieved - he is a legend in the game."

Kilbane has witnessed twice within a week the impact Quinn can have on a game, at international and club level.

The Republic pushed Holland towards a World Cup exit with a shock 1-0 victory in Dublin and Quinn played a vital defensive role after coming on as a late substitute.

Kilbane recalled: "Niall came on against Holland and played a vital role at the back for us.

"Holland put us under so much pressure - they had 6ft 4ins-plus players going after long balls and we found it very difficult to deal with. But in the last few minutes Niall was there helping us to withstand a lot of pressure."

Kilbane, himself a substitute against Blackburn, said: "Niall is a great leader and when he came on he gave us so much movement and scored with a superb header.

"Then he cleared that shot off the line - he was absolutely magnificent."

Quinn's achievements have certainly thrilled first-team newcomer George McCartney, who crowned a memorable week in which he made his senior debut for Northern Ireland by being voted sponsors' man of the match in his first full Premiership at the Stadium of Light against Blackburn.

The 20-year-old defender said: "Niall is a great player and I'm sure a lot of supporters would have liked to have seen him on from the start.

"Every time he plays on he has so much to offer and something always seems to happen.

"He just showed that by coming on and scoring. It was also a great clearance and he almost made one for Kevin Phillips.

"He has a great influence at the football club. He has been here a few years now and all the young lads think he is great because he just helps everyone.

"He is a great player and I'm sure there is still a lot to come from him."

McCartney is thrilled by the progress he has made at the club over the last 12 months.

He said: "Last season I played a few times in the League Cup and this season has been tremendous because I have been involved in every game, either playing or being on the bench.

"I scored in my first full international against Iceland and it has been the best week of my life."

Sunderland manager Peter Reid has switched the pacey Ulsterman to the centre of defence and McCartney, who also played at Fulham, looks a brilliant prospect.

He said: "I have been at Sunderland for four or five years and most of the time I've played at left back. But the gaffer has played me at centre half to see how I do and it seems to be going well.

"I don't have a preference - I will play anywhere just to be in the team."

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