Gus Poyet has said that he would prefer to retain Sunderland's Premier League status to having a statue of himself built to commemorate a possible FA Cup success.

The North-East outfit sealed their progression to the last-eight stage of England's premier cup competition with a 1-0 win over Southampton this afternoon.

Bob Stokoe, who led the club to an FA Cup triumph in 1973, had his achievement recognised by being given a statue outside the Stadium of Light.

However, with the Black Cats still fighting for Premier League survival this season, Poyet insists that nothing is more important than preserving the team's top-flight status.

"Me, I would prefer to stay in the Premier League," the manager told reporters. "I am not looking for a statue, that's for sure.

"Apparently to be more famous, it's better to win the cup. I don't want any more people knowing me, I think they know me enough, so I would prefer to stay in the Premier League."

Poyet's side resume their relegation battle with a visit to Arsenal next weekend.