AS Sunderland earned the bragging rights following yesterday's Tees-Wear derby win at the Riverside Stadium, Christian Bassila proved how he could be the Black Cats' equivalent of George Boateng this season.

Unlike Boateng, with nearly eight years of Premiership experience, Bassila remains a somewhat unknown quantity in the English game, having arrived from Strasbourg at the beginning of the season.

But, in the four games Bassila has now played, the Parisian has already served up enough evidence to suggest he could play a central part in the Black Cats' survival aspirations.

Boateng's influence in the Boro side was highlighted last season when an injury to the Dutchman almost cost the Teessiders' a Uefa Cup place.

The 30-year-old suffered a broken toe in December, missing almost four months of action. During his 18-match absence Steve McClaren's men recorded just four wins.

And, Bassila's presence could be just as important if Sunderland are to avoid a swift return to the Championship.

Bassila rejected moves to Italy and France during the summer, before opting for a move to the Stadium of Light on a free transfer.

And, on yesterday's showing, it is easy to see why manager Mick McCarthy has hailed the 27-year-old as the man to toughen up Sunderland's midfield.

As well as demonstrating the flair, synonymous with players from the continent, Bassila provides the same tigerish approach which has made Boateng a hit on Teesside.

Like Boateng, Bassila plays the game simply but at the same time devastatingly effective. While Tommy Miller was given the license to roam forward yesterday, Bassila provided Sunderland with a sound base to work from the back.

Bassila and Boateng crossed paths for the first time in their careers yesterday. However, it was Fabio Rochemback who was given an early reminder of Bassila's competitive edge when the Brazilian was sent crashing to the ground after just 20 seconds.

And, after Tommy Miller had given Sunderland a second minute lead, Bassila made his mark on Boateng - quite literally - leaving his foot in on the Boro midfielder after the restart.

On the quarter hour mark Bassila was allowed the freedom of the Middlesbrough half after leaving Boateng and the rest of the home midfield on the halfway line. However, the Frenchman's final ball into Stephen Elliott was disappointing and Boro were let off the hook.

Bassila and Boateng clashed again in the 23rd minute, the pair earning a ticking off from referee Howard Webb after squabbling over the ball after the Rotherham official had already blown for a Boro free-kick.

Despite Boro's early frailties, Boateng remained a reassuring presence in midfield. The former Aston Villa man won his next encounter with Bassila on 35 minutes, showing good strength to hold off his marker to sweep up a Sunderland attack.

And, with virtually the last kick of the half Boateng was denied his first goal of the season when his 25-yard drive was saved superbly by Kelvin Davis.

After Julio Arca extended Sunderland's lead on the hour mark, Bassila continued to frustrate Boro, and in particular Rochemback, sitting in front of his own back four to good effect.

Boateng was one of few Boro players to remember that yesterday's game was a derby game. The midfielder took matters into his own hands when, first, he headed tamely wide. And, with the game deep in injury time, Davis produced another impressive point blank save to deny the Dutchman.

While Boateng and Boro prepare for Thursday's Uefa Cup first round return leg in Greece against FC Xanthi, Bassila and his Sunderland team-mates will no doubt take many positives from yesterday's win into Saturday's encounter with fellow Premiership newcomers West Ham, who have already proved that life in the top flight need not be so tough.

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