REPUBLIC of Ireland international Niall Quinn believes Sunderland can kick-start their season by beating Derby County at the Stadium of Light this afternoon.

The 33-year-old striker knows just how disappointed Wearside supporters have been to see their favourites sink to third bottom place. But he is adamant the team is in a false position.

"If we can play well against Derby and excite the fans we will be up and running again," said Quinn.

"We genuinely feel, right through the squad, that we are a better team than our position suggests.

"We've got the chance to prove ourselves against Derby and come in for training on Monday morning with our heads up believing that the season has started in earnest."

Quinn accepts that results have not been as encouraging as everyone had hoped.

He said: "Expectations here are very high. We got a sniff of success last season and everyone wanted to carry on from there.

"It has been a difficult start for us, but it has been very frustrating because we now have probably a better squad this time.

"But without trying to paint a rosy picture I would say that players are starting to show what they are capable of."

Quinn believes that midfield players Kevin Kilbane, Julio Arca and Don Hutchison could hold the key to a dramatic change of fortune.

"If they carry on improving I think the future is bright, especially for me and Kevin Phillips up front," said the lanky Dubliner, who is top scorer with two goals.

"Julio had a fantastic debut against West Ham, Don is another great talent and the way Kevin Kilbane played for Ireland against Holland I honestly think he is a moment away from greatness.

"Once these players get into their stride then the sky's the limit.

"When it all clicks together and Kevin Phillips and I get going like we did last season I have no fears that it will all come round.

"Up to now we seem to have stopped and started, but having said that there's nothing like a good win at home in front of the punters to start things off."

Quinn is particularly excited by the potential of Kilbane, who has settled in at the club and is finally starting to produce his best form.

The former West Brom winger earned rich praise from Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal and Quinn believes his international team-mate is ready to shine at club level.

"Kevin was a big fish in a small pond at West Brom and it has been difficult for him to readjust," he said.

"But I have huge faith in his ability and we are lucky to have him."

Quinn is also confident that Phillips, who has only scored once this season, will soon be back on the goal standard which made him such a feared finisher in his first season in the top flight.

"When he gets another goal it will be like opening the floodgates.

"All this is to come. Anyone feeling a bit low at the moment should realise it is very close to happening.

"I don't like putting Derby down but we feel we are due to show people what we can do and the quicker the better."

Quinn added: "There is definitely no crisis. I don't know where that idea has come from.

"In the North-East when one of the other clubs is doing well it always seems to double your burden.

"There is no doubt about it that Newcastle are getting all the headlines for the right reasons this time around and it is only natural for people to transfer the pressure on to us.

"But people here can take pressure - they thrive on it. I'm looking forward to going out and trying to turn things around and we are all in the same frame of mind.