SUNDERLAND striker Niall Quinn last night saluted old adversary Stuart Pearce and declared: "At this rate, he'll go on for ever.''

Pearce, who enters his 40th year in April, was outstanding as West Ham's defensive cornerstone in Saturday's FA Cup win at the Stadium of Light.

Handed a free transfer 18 months ago by Newcastle United during Ruud Gullit's disastrous reign, Pearce underlined the folly of that decision with a vintage performance which prompted talk of an England recall.

Quinn has engaged in many a battle with Pearce over the years and believes he should be a role model for football's next generation of stars.

"Stuart is an absolute example to any kid who wants to know how a professional footballer should conduct himself,'' said Quinn.

"I first came up against him in 1985-86 and he's still brilliant. He's someone I look up to - and I'm nearly 35 and I don't look up to too many people!

"But Stuart is a star. There's no antagonism between us. He'll tell you that some days I've managed to get a goal against him.

"Other days, he's had games like this one where he's cleared the ball away all the time. I'm just delighted for him and, at that rate, he'll go on for ever.''

Quinn and strike partner Kevin Phillips were superbly policed by Pearce and fellow defenders Igor Stimac and Christian Dailly.

But Sunderland defender Darren Williams insisted referee Alan Wiley should have awarded his side a penalty early in the second half when Stimac literally resorted to strongarm tactics to quell the threat of Quinn.

Williams said: "We don't get enough decisions going our way - Niall was getting pulled and dragged all over.

"I think we should have had a penalty. The lad had his hands around Niall - his fingers were actually locked together. If that's not a foul, I don't know what is.

"I don't think referees are aware of the treatment Niall gets. I don't know whether they think he's playing on it, but he is not that type of player.

"I don't think referees are giving him the benefit of the doubt.''

Sunderland had three key players suspended - Michael Gray, Don Hutchison and Alex Rae - and top scorer Phillips will be added to the list for Saturday's trip to Leicester.

Williams' booking means he is banned when Aston Villa visit Wearside a fortnight tonight.

"I think the suspensions proved crucial in the end,'' said the Teessider.

"I'm going to be suspended in a couple of weeks. But I don't think you can go through a season now without getting suspended.''

Fourth-placed Sunderland's only route into Europe is now via the Premiership, and Williams stressed: "We're going to push for the highest place possible.

"We're disappointed to be out of the Cup because we felt there was a big chance for us to get to the final.

"But I think we'll bounce back. We were on a good run, but we haven't won for four games now and it just shows you can't take anything for granted.

"We know that from last season. We went on a bad run and it took us a while to get out of it, but we've learned from that.''

Sunderland boss Peter Reid brought on 19-year-old Northern Ireland Youth defender George McCartney when Stanislav Varga was forced off midway through the first half with a groin injury.

Williams revealed: "George was borderline to start because Chris Makin wasn't feeling too well.

"George is a good young player. West Ham tried to play down his side on the left, but he proved he's got ability and stuck to his task well.''

l MIDDLESBROUGH are still keeping tabs on West Ham's on-loan defender Hannu Tihinen.

The Finn's temporary stint at Upton Park is up soon and manager Harry Redknapp is baulking at Viking Stavanger's £2.5m-plus asking price.

Echo Sport disclosed Boro's interest in Tihinen near the end of last year and the Teessiders could now invite the 24-year-old for a trial or even attempt to set up a loan deal.