MICK McCARTHY last night saluted his 'mentally tough' Sunderland stars for bouncing back from their FA Cup disappointment.

After the depressing defeat at the hands of Millwall in Sunday's semi-final, the Black Cats responded by narrowly overcoming relegated Wimbledon.

The victory ensured Sunderland increase their chances of claiming an automatic promotion place from Division One.

Leading two, West Brom and Norwich, are eight points above Sunderland but McCarthy has not given up hope of catching them.

And the Stadium of Light boss pointed to the way Wolves threw away a massive lead two seasons ago to completely miss out on moving up to the top-flight.

"Three points are three points and they are welcome," said McCarthy, whose side now face Sheffield United on Friday and then Ipswich on Monday.

"People have been looking at us wondering how we will react to the semi-final defeat - both mentally and physically.

"But the players have proved what we are all about and what they are all about. It's a job done here at Wimbledon.

"It's three points and we have got to be pleased with them. We should be able to come here and win by more.

"It looks like a narrow margin but it could have been more.

"If we keep winning and picking up points then who knows? West Brom have to come to us, so do Norwich. All we can do is keep winning.

"It happened to Wolves when they were clear so you don't know. We will just keep working hard."

McCarthy's masterstroke, bringing Darren Byfield from the bench in the 72nd minute, had an immediate effect.

With the score 1-1, and with Wimbledon taking the upper hand, Byfield's first touch was to turn in the winner.

But McCarthy insists that is what his substitutes are there for.

He said: "It's nice when they work. It was a relief to see him score. I don't think we should have to put the sub on to get that vital goal.

"My subs are there to improve things, they are not there to warm their arses.

"I put them on to improve things. That has got to be the mentality of all the subs."

Condemning Wimbledon to Division Two was not something McCarthy was pleased to inflict on the Wimbledon boss Stuart Murdoch.

McCarthy said: "Within the football community there is sympathy for Stuart. He works his socks off and get his job done.

"To get a performance like that from his players was brilliant, particularly with relegation on the cards."