IT would have been easy to believe that it was Jason McAteer who had just helped Sunderland take a step closer to an FA Cup semi-final.

The Irishman turned away, just like any typical goalscorer would, ran alone into one corner of the Stadium of Light arena and punched the air with his two clenched fists.

But it was not a strike conjured up by his own feet that he was celebrating, it was the sheer relief of having witnessed a sweet drive from Tommy Smith nestle in the far corner of the net to gain the perfect start for Sunderland.

McAteer would not have planned to do his own thing, but it was his way of showing the fanatical home support how much progress in the oldest club competition in the world means to the experienced middle-man.

The skipper's armband may no longer be wrapped around his arm when he pulls on the red and white striped shirt, but as club captain he led from the front against Sheffield United.

He was strong and fair in the tackle, yet it was his general off- the-ball game that showed how he has matured on the field.

As one of Mick McCarthy's thirty-somethings perhaps it is only right that he uses the knowledge of the game he has picked up in over a decade of football at some of England's most reputable clubs.

McAteer has not always tried to be a calming influence on the pitch. However, his growth from one of the Liverpool Spice Boys in the '90s to Wise Head on Wearside looks as though it has finally been completed.

Early on in this pulsating Cup tie, the former Bolton and Blackburn man also showed he has not lost any of his bite.

He clashed with United's Ashley Ward and then Nick Montgomery.

But the Black Cats star seems to know how to channel his aggression in the right direction these days.

McAteer has only four yellow cards to his name this season and one was not forthcoming against the Blades.

But is was not his discipline which impressed the most, it was his commitment and quick-thinking that helped Sunderland claim a semi-final berth.

During his younger days at Bolton he became one of the game's brightest talents with a number of goals and surging runs from midfield.

Those are certainly not as frequent these days and have been overtaken by a more defensive strategy.

An occasional backheel there may have been, but more often than not McAteer preferred to sit back and cover for his teammates when gaps appeared in defence.

When the action was more frenetic after the half-time break the 32-year-old's passing may not have been at its best.

But his pairing with Jeff Whitley gave Sunderland the edge and their embrace at the final whistle spoke volumes for the shared joy of their achievement.

Now McAteer's dream of appearing in another Cup final - he was part of the Liverpool side that lost to Manchester United eight years ago - is more than a distinct possibility.

The Irishman's eyes will be smiling as he looks forward to watching the draw at Soho Square at lunch-time today.