STEVE McCLAREN last night admitted Middlesbrough's North-East derby victory was the most important three points of the season and the perfect way to prove the cynics wrong.

Having failed to win in the Premiership since November 20, success at bottom-of-the-table Sunderland was essential in a bid to instil the belief in the squad that a relegation struggle can be avoided.

And, after the comprehensive 3-0 win on Wearside, McClaren feels his crop can surge back up the table having teetered on the brink of the drop zone for the last few weeks.

"This was the biggest game of the season and probably the most important win because of the build up of pressure around the place," said the relieved Boro boss. "I quite agree with some of the criticism aimed our way but we we're getting fed up of it. That's why we are delighted with this, we deserved it.

"I'm delighted for the players. There was a lot of pressure on this game. I said a win wasn't far away and this proves it.

"I was delighted for the supporters as well. We have not given them much in the past few months, so to win a local derby gives them belief. Hopefully, this is a stepping stone and we can go on from here."

McClaren, whose side are still ten points shy of the top six, paid special tribute to his midfield two as he pinpointed why Boro succeeded last night.

"The platform to that win was the middle four," he said. "Lee Cattermole and Doriva were terrific and I also thought Emanuel Pogatetz and Gareth Southgate were fantastic.

"Pogatetz showed why we brought him here as a future centre-back. He took time to settle in and he has stepped in and done well."

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy, meanwhile, has reiterated his determination not to walk away as his side's plight at the foot of the Premiership looks more and more perilous.

They are now 14 points adrift of fourth bottom and are yet to win in front of their own supporters this season in the league.

But McCarthy, aware of a bad reaction from sections of fans last night, said: "I ain't never walking away. No chance."

He added: "I don't know if you have ever had two such disappointing events in you life over 72 hours but we have after Saturday's defeat to Brentford.

"The fans' reaction is understandable but all I can do is give maximum effort and try to make sure the players do. Throughout my time at the club there haven't been many days like today."

And McCarthy is standing by the players who have managed to win just twice in the league all season.

"The players have been great. None of them have let me down purposely," he said. "We have a group of young lads and some of them have come from humble starts. "They don't give up."