Niall Quinn fears for Sunderland ahead of Newcastle clash
Thursday 22 October 2015 14:40, UK
Niall Quinn admitted he fears for Sunderland's chances in the Wear-Tyne derby after witnessing Newcastle's 6-2 demolition of Norwich.
Four goals from Georginio Wijnaldum helped Newcastle earn their first three points of the Premier League season in the Super Sunday clash with the Canaries.
Despite still looking vulnerable in defence, the Magpies were irresistible going forward, and Quinn believes that such a result puts Newcastle in ascendancy ahead of their meeting with Sunderland next weekend.
"It is hard for a Sunderland man like myself to say this, but it was a special game to be at today, and I am pleased that we [Sky] did it," Quinn said.
"I am pleased for Newcastle, and I am pleased for Steve McClaren because it was a special day for them. This result will help them a huge amount, as that doubt is gone.
Live Ford Super Sunday
"They have shown they are capable of putting a performance like that together, and proved they are a top team going forward when they want to be. Obviously the manager will want them to continue in that form.
"What it means is that they come into training in the week and the local papers, local radio stations, everything starts to hot up as the week goes on, with the players with big smiles on their faces.
Newcastle are already in a great place going into it, and Sunderland will have to apply themselves to get there.
New Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce got off to a disappointing start to his tenure with the Black cats after a 1-0 defeat at West Brom on Saturday, and after offering very little as an attacking force at the Hawthorns, Quinn insists they have it all to do to be ready for the derby.
"Sunderland have to dig deep now," Quinn added. "Sam [Allardyce] will be required to get them into a different place, mentally."
"Newcastle are already in a great place going into it, and Sunderland will have to apply themselves to get there.
"Derby games are the sort of place where everything gets thrown out of the window, and it certainly won't be as place for the faint hearted.
"But if you were Sunderland, you'd be worried after today's result."
