Quinn dents Derby's relegation fight

Niall Quinn gave Sunderland their first win in seven games but afterwards was more concerned with championing the World Cup cause of his strike partner Kevin Phillips. Quinn said: 'Kevin doesn't get that many chances but the ones that come his way he generally takes.

'If you had a look at Van Nistelrooy at Manchester United and Hasselbaink at Chelsea, they miss chances but still score a lot of goals because they are getting so many opportunities.

'We need a good strong finish to the season to help Kevin out and get him into the England side. He is giving it everything he's got for us and I have no doubt that once he scores his first goal for England, he will be flying. Everyone at Sunderland hopes he goes to the World Cup and wants him to get the chance he deserves.' Phillips had a quiet first half at Derby but sprang into life after the break. Andy Oakes tipped over one 25-yard drive, a chance the striker created. Then a delicate lob ended in the Derby net only to be ruled offside before he inadvertently knocked Michael Gray's shot into Quinn's path 10 minutes from time for the only goal of the game.

Derby boss John Gregory believes Phillips has a good claim for a place in the World Cup squad. He said: 'Kevin is a clever player but the competition is hot. His team have struggled but he has not dropped his head. If he continues to work like that, the opportunity might arise and when it does, I'm sure he will be ready.' Parma's Cameroon striker Patrick Mbomba, 31, is poised to complete a £4million move to Sunderland. Mbomba, who missed last night's African Nations Cup Final win on penalties against Senegal with a calf injury, has agreed terms and will undergo a medical tomorrow.