Sunderland's stars have rallied round Darren Bent after the Black Cats' top scorer suffered penalty heartbreak at Spurs.
Bent, 25, was faced with a spot-kick against his former club early in the second half after being brought down by Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes with the game at 1-0.
But Sunderland's eight-goal top scorer saw his effort saved by Gomes and Spurs went on to seal the points when Tom Huddlestone scored off the underside of the crossbar.
Speaking exclusively to safc.com after the game, defender Phil Bardsley gave Bent his full backing and said the England international will bounce back from the disappointment and return bigger and better.
"Obviously he's disappointed after coming back to his former club and missing a penalty, but Benty's scored important goals this season and we know he's a top player," he said.
"He'll have no problems bouncing back. He always plays with a smile on his face and it doesn't matter how many chances he misses, he always thinks he's going to score.
"That's what the top strikers do, and he is definitely one of them."
The former Manchester United defender also felt Sunderland's display warranted a reward after they outplayed Spurs for long periods.
The home side's cutting edge in front of goal proved to be the difference but Bardsley says the visitors can take heart from their display.
"The lads were tremendous today," he said. "Everyone gave 100% but unfortunately we just couldn't get the goal we needed.
"I don't think the lads can be faulted for their effort and commitment today - we deserved more than what we got.
Meanwhile Bardsley joined boss Steve Bruce in saying Brazilian keeper Gomes should have been sent off for his foul on Bent for the penalty.
"I think he should have gone. He was the last man, obviously Benty's going away from goal but that's not to say he wouldn't have slotted it in with his left foot."
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