JACK ROSS admitted the return of Duncan Watmore was the one thing he could take solace from after his side were dumped out of the FA Cup.

Sunderland lost 1-0 at home to Walsall at the Stadium of Light, meaning the Black Cats have failed to get the better of the Saddlers in three recent meetings – two in the FA Cup, one in the league.

Victory secured a third round tie at Bolton for the Saddlers.

Sunderland were below par, failing to make much impact in front of goal, but Ross is certain the 79 minutes played by Watmore will be of benefit in the long term.

The attacker has been out of action with two separate cruciate ligament injuries. He played for the club’s Under-23s against Middlesbrough recently, before a run out in the Checkatrade Trophy against Notts County a week ago.

And while this game lacked the intensity and passion of a League One fixture on a flat night at the Stadium of Light, Ross is pleased to see Watmore step up his comeback.

He went closest for the Black Cats with a curling shot that was on target, but diverted wide.

And Ross said: “There are things you take from matches and Duncan is a major plus for us, this was far greater intensity than the Checkatrade Trophy and the step up was evident.

“He was feeling it physically, but another game like that is good for his recovery.

“The league is the priority for us, but this isn’t a night to reflect on that and that would be disrespectful for Walsall. We wanted to win this, but we have a league game on January 5 rather than an FA Cup game.

“It hurts us to lose, but there is a plus side to it - Duncan played well, through the middle.

“He is more than capable of going that and at this stage of his recovery rather than run in a wide area he was better utilised down the middle.

“In that area of the pitch he gives us something different, offering a threat.’’

In front of only 8,212 fans at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats exited the competition weakly.

They go to Charlton in League One on January 5 rather than Bolton in the FA Cup and Ross said: “It’s obviously disappointing to come out of the competition, we are disappointed with the performance as well.

“We didn’t play well and second half we had, post substitutions, more intensity without an end product.

“It’s one of those nights that people say you should forget, but I won’t quickly forget as you should always take something from it.’’

Saturday’s outing was washed out at Accrington, the sodden pitch too saturated to complete the game.

And Ross refused to use those conditions as an excuse for defeat: “Fatigue is not an issue for us. Walsall played Saturday, similar fixture lists. Our conditioning levels are good and our only reasons are we didn’t play well.

“The reasons for not playing well should always fall on me as manager.

“It’s the only second time we haven’t scored in a game this season, a very good record and credit to the players for the work they have done, but it was a night we looked like we weren’t threatening.

“We lacked a spark and I’m loathe to say it’s a night like that, an off night, but you do get them.’’

Lee Cattermole also made his return from injury, while Ross left Aiden McGeady and Lynden Gooch out of the squad, the influential pair rested with slight muscle injuries for Saturday’s home game with Bristol Rovers.

Ross said: “We made changes and I’ve been fortunate this season in utilising the squad for various reasons and by and large they have taken those opportunities.

“Players then have to play well, with a strong squad, to get a place or stay in the team. Players didn’t play as well as they can.

“I wanted to win this game and it stings to be out of the competition, but I would rather have them fit for the weekend.’’

In League One, there was a boost for Ross as leaders Portsmouth lost at home to Charlton. The Black Cats are seven points behind Pompey with two games in hand.

It was, however, of little consequence to Ross: “Portsmouth dropped points and I would say the only thing that can affect us is our results – I’ve said it before and I’ve been consistent in my outlook on that front. That only becomes good for us if we win our games.

“We have won games in league, but this was a reminder how we cannot drop levels in how we play and how we prepare.’’

Visiting boss Dean Keates paid tribute to Walsall’s match-winner for his memorable goal.

“It was a great strike by Kins - and he’s been outstanding since he came in the side,’’ he admitted. “Full credit to the lads they kept going all game.

“He’s taken his opportunity and that goal just caps it off – a great 25-yard strike at goal.

“It’s something we deserved and the lads deserve the win. We come away from home, been organised and disciplined and got our rewards. We got what we deserved – a Cup tie at Bolton in the next round.’’