Kevin Phillips was full of compliments for Sunderland after their play-off semi final success over Portsmouth.
Just over one month ago the same side beat the Black Cats on penalties at Wembley to lift the Checkatrade Trophy, but it was Sunderland who would have the last laugh.
Taking a 1-0 lead thanks to Chris Maguire's strike into this second leg at Fratton Park, Jack Ross' side stuck to their gameplan, limited Portsmouth and battled to a goalless draw to seal their passage to another Wembley final - this time with promotion up for grabs.
And after the game, while doing punditry for Sky Sports, club legend Phillips was full of praise. Here's a full transcript of his thoughts.
Phillips on the win
“First and foremost you have to enjoy occasions like this but they still have a huge game ahead.
“Now they have got themselves to the final. What a job that Jack Ross has done. He has brought players who were not so well known.
“The quality of the game wasn’t great but they got the job done.
“We have seen resilience from Sunderland. We have seen them play better this season. They didn’t create many chances over the two legs but the keeper has been outstanding.
“They are going to need to play better at Wembley but the attitude and the gameplan was there.
“Neither team was going to win with good play."
Phillips on Luke O'Nien
“He is maturing really well."
Phillips on Jon McLaughlin
“Tactically he was in the right place at the right time. He took knocks and his positional play was excellent. He has been outstanding all season and he was again tonight."
Phillips on Charlie Methven
“Fair play to him because there was honesty. The club will become a more attractive asset if they win promotion."
Phillips on winning promotion
“The owner made it clear he wanted them in the top six at the beginning of the season. Now they are in the play-off final and one game away from getting promoted.
“That would mean a lot to this football club from where they have been to now.
“If you don’t bounce back from League One at the first attempt it’s so hard. Credit to Jack Ross because he’s had to deal with a lot off the pitch."
