REPUBLIC of Ireland international Niall Quinn, whose two goals against Charlton Athletic saved Sunderland from a second home defeat in the space of four days, has finally conquered the back injury which threatened his career.

And he believes that the Wearsiders, who won over doubting fans with a face-saving second half rally at the Stadium of Light, are ready to being their Premiership season in earnest.

The 34-year-old Dubliner still has to do special exercises before and after training each day - but he is convinced that he will be able to play on until the end of the season and perhaps beyond.

Quinn said: "I really feel as though I have won the battle - and when you don't think about an injury it means it's behind you.

"I was worried about it at the end of last season because I couldn't see myself getting fit - but now I'm delighted.

"I have played three games in seven days and I just feel great.

"If I am careful I can certainly see myself playing until the end of the season without a problem and after that we will just take it from there."

Quinn paid tribute to the way the Stadium of Light fans stuck with the team when they might easily have turned as Charlton went 2-0 up early in the second half, and seemed certain to condemn Sunderland to a second Premiership defeat in four days following Spurs' 2-1 victory in midweek.

He said: "At least we played well today - but the biggest thing was that with 75 minutes gone and when we were 2-0 down the crowd didn't turn.

"They stayed with us and that was huge because they were fully entitled to have a go at us because they weren't happy with what was happening.

He added: "It would have been better to have gone on and won it for them but to me that was the real turning point this season.

"We know that they are on our side and sure there are difficulties because it is not easy in the Premiership."

Quinn admitted: "Two home defeats in four days would have been bad and if the crowd had turned it would have been different out there because no-one would have wanted the ball.

"But that crowd reaction in the last 20 minutes makes you feel that everyone is together and now our season has started. We have gone through our difficult patch - now let's go out and make the football flow."

Sunderland manager Peter Reid was delighted with the performance of his veteran striker, who must rank as one of his best-ever buys.

He said: "When I brought in Lilian Laslandes people were quick to write Niall off. But at a sprightly 34 I don't think there is any reason to do that - he is fitter than he has ever been.

"He was terrific today against Charlton - I wish I could find another but that type of player doesn't grow on trees."

Reid also revealed he was aware of some hostility from the crowd when his side was trailing.

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