SUNDERLAND chief Peter Reid paid giant striker Niall Quinn a glowing tribute after the Republic of Ireland international's late heroics sealed the points for the Wearsiders.

The veteran hit-man broke the deadlock in typical style with a trademark back-post header with nine minutes left after his introduction as a second half sub.

And when Matt Jansen threatened an equaliser at the other end in the dying seconds, that man Quinn was there again, this time heading the Rovers striker's goalbound shot off his own goal-line.

"Big Niall's top drawer, he's a terrific asset to this club and he still has a lot to offer us -- I just wish he was 10 years younger," purred Reid.

"When he comes off the bench you can see defenders worrying.

"He spreads panic with his physical presence and his aerial ability and that's what makes him so important to us.

"Although you can't beat Old Father Time, he will still do a job for us here and he will start games.

"It was a great header and I'm thankful we got the points."

Rovers boss Graeme Souness was incensed that his side weren't awarded a late penalty after a challenge on Mark Hughes by Jody Craddock.

But Reid had an entirely different view of the incident, insisting his man was totally in the clear.

"Graeme and I have disagreed over many things in our careers and this is no different," said Reid.

"I thought Jody was strong in the tackle and I didn't see it as a penalty at all."

Meanwhile, despite moving up to sixth in the table on the back of Quinn's heroics, Reid insists his side have still to hit top form.

"I don't think we've really started playing well this season and we've still got seven points so I can't wait for when we do start turning it on," added the Black Cats boss.