HAVING had a taste of Wembley already this season, Max Power is desperate to get that winning feeling on a Sunday afternoon that he thinks will be far greater than the last time he graced the stage.

The Black Cats midfielder was a second half substitute when Portsmouth went on to win on penalties to claim the Checkatrade Trophy two months ago, but the significance of this weekend’s game is far greater.

Even though it would have been nice for Sunderland to have celebrated trophy success at the end of March, there is no disputing that promotion to the Championship at the first time of asking would rank higher on the club’s targets.

After a 46-game regular season and a play-off battle with Portsmouth, it all rests on another trip to Wembley and whether or not Sunderland can climb back into the Championship at the first time of asking under the guidance of Jack Ross.

“It all comes down to one game now,” said Power. “I cannot say too much more except we are preparing right, will give it everything and leave everything on the pitch. Hopefully that will be enough on the day.”

He added: “It is massive. Wembley is a place for winners. We know what is at stake but we are confident as a squad we have more than enough to win the game.

“Charlton are a good side and these are two clubs going head-to-head that over the years have had some turbulent times. They have been in the Premier League in recent years and both have had relegations. There are two sets of fans desperate to see their club climb up the league but unfortunately it cannot be both.

“We’ll only be able to look back on this game with good memories if we win. While Portsmouth was a good occasion, we know what is at stake here and what is at the end of it if you do win. It’s massive and hopefully it will end with us coming out on top.”

Power will expect to keep his place in the team having nailed down his shirt since the Checkatrade final. His form has also returned after a real battle with his approach after picking up three red cards – missing seven matches – earlier in the season.

The 25-year-old, whose third dismissal at Walsall was overturned on appeal, said: “When you play for a club like Sunderland, you know there will be quality already here.

“For me, it probably was a tough time with those red cards but I have come out the other side. I always back my ability and was confident I could get back in the side.

“It was tough because I am the sort of player who plays on the edge, borderline and sometimes you can give away fouls and get cautioned.

“The most difficult for me was after going so many game s without getting a red card, to get three in five games was a shock to the system. It’s been a huge learning curve for me. Going forward and looking at the future, hopefully in a higher division, I will be better for it.

“You can’t really go a full season showing good form. You are always going to have dips. Whatever team the manager sends onto the pitch on Sunday will have the full backing of everyone, those on the bench and everyone.”