Niall Quinn on Sunderland winner against Newcastle: 'That's my favourite goal ever'

Niall Quinn has revealed his derby winner for Sunderland against Newcastle at St James’ Park is his favourite of all the goals he scored.

Quinn had a great career for Arsenal, Manchester City, Ireland and Sunderland, and scored some outstanding goals along the way. His highlight reel for Sunderland alone is well worth a watch.

He scored twice in 2-1 Sunderland wins at St James’ Park, once in 1999 and again in 2000. It was the second that he enjoyed the most though, as it was a winner. It was also absolutely majestic.

When asked during a talk-in at South Shields FC, Quinn said: “I think scoring against the Mags in the derby, getting the winner. It was a great cross from Micky Gray and I put one past [Ireland teammate] Shay Given.

“That’s always the one. When people say what’s your favourite goal ever, I scored a few at Arsenal and City and Ireland, but it was something about that one that meant so much to me at the time and the people of Sunderland.”

Quinn played for some of the biggest clubs in England during his long career and was well-thought of by them all.

However, Sunderland will always be the club with which he is most associated, and that is absolutely fine by him.

“I don’t think there’s a day that goes by when I’m back in Ireland when somebody comes up to me and talks about it,” Quinn said.

“I had a fabulous time here, had seven great years as a family and when things go well on the pitch for you it’s good. Besides that, the friends and relationships I have in this region are just the strongest of all. I was in London, I was in Manchester, I was here.

“When I played we had a great team, Newcastle had a great team, Boro had a great team. The whole place was bouncing and it was just a wonderful time.

“I just love coming back up and fair play to the black and whites, they don’t give me too much stick.”

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