DEFLATED Mick McCarthy last night revealed the utter dejection felt by the entire Sunderland squad after Crystal Palace ended their hopes of a return to the Premiership at the first attempt, writes Paul Fraser.

Goals from Kevin Kyle and Marcus Stewart had given the Black Cats the upperhand having overturned the 3-2 lead Crystal Palace held from the first leg.

However, a header from substitute Darren Powell in injury time - after Neil Shipperley appeared to foul keeper Mart Poom - clawed the Londoners back into the tie. Their ten men then held on for the penalty shoot-out which they won 5-4.

It meant Sunderland have lost out yet again in a play-off push - the fourth time they have been losers - and McCarthy was clearly left reeling about referee David Pugh's decision not to give a foul.

"We have all broke our necks for 50 games or so and it came down to what was not the greatest decision by the referee," said McCarthy. "I think Poom was fouled and I've asked the referee to look at it. I don't want to talk about it because I will get into trouble.

"The last minute goal is not nice to take. Palace could have had it wrapped up after 15 minutes. Once we got to grips with it we got two goals and had it won."

There was always going to be a summer of change at the Stadium of Light with so many players out of contract, and it is now likely to be another cost-cutting exercise.

Sunderland's debts may have been steadied at £36m but they have the highest wage bill in Division One at £17m.

Now the Sunderland board, who will miss out on the increased revenue Premiership media rights would have brought, will look at trying to reduce that further, meaning a number of the club's big players may have to leave.

"There's lots of players out of contract,"said McCarthy. "We are in on Wednesday and I intend to talk to them then. It's a devastating blow that and it will be hard to recover from quickly."

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