Ross defends players after schedule takes its toll

JACK Ross admits Sunderland looked ‘leggy’ in the second half at Walsall – but defended his players, saying the gruelling schedule had taken its toll.

Aiden McGeady’s first-half strike put the Black Cats in front in their FA Cup second round tie at the Bescot Stadium, but when the Saddlers stepped things up in the second period Andy Cook earned his side a replay at the Stadium of Light in ten days’ time.

And Cook could have won it for the West Midlands outfit, hitting the woodwork and later heading straight at keeper Jon McLaughlin.

It was the second draw in the space of eight days between the sides, after they drew 2-2 here in the league last weekend.

Both sides will be in the hat for tomorrow’s third round draw and, asked whether he would have settled for the draw when Walsall put his side under pressure, Ross said: “I wouldn’t have taken it at half-time, naturally, but the way the second half panned out I would have probably taken it.

“I think in the second half, for the first time, we looked a little bit leggy, which is maybe understandable given the challenges we have had to date physically and mentally.

“I’m pleased we continue this unbeaten run and I’m pleased we are still in the draw but I’m disappointed with aspects of the performance in the second half.

“In the first half it almost became too straightforward for us because we were very dominant, and it was very different to what we expected the game to be like.

“We dealt with it well, but the in the second half we had to respond to the challenge.

“I am going to defend my players because of what they have given me of late – they have been very good, and today was the first time I thought it caught up with them a little bit.”

Ross’ plans were disrupted just before kick-off when Chris Maguire pulled out of the warm-up with a rib injury, and his place was taken by Bryan Oviedo.

Ross said: “Chris got a bang in the ribs in challenge with the goalkeeper here last week late in the game but he managed to play against Barnsley on Tuesday and was good, but he just felt it a bit post-training yesterday and it got worse overnight and this morning.

“We’ve got a lot of league games coming up - a lot of important league games - and the squad was stretched a bit, so having Bryan available and knowing he has the experience just to step in, it was fine.”