Jon McLaughlin knows the size of the prize at stake on Sunday as Sunderland look to overcome the final hurdle in the race for promotion.
The Black Cats return to Wembley Stadium just eight weeks after losing on penalties to Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy Final this weekend.
However, after getting the better of Pompey over two legs in their Play-Off semi-final, they now face Lee Bowyer’s Charlton Athletic for a place in the Sky Bet Championship next season.
While mass celebrations and joyous scenes were seen at other grounds throughout the leagues following Play-Off semi-final victories, the Black Cats kept a lid on their emotions with the job very much half done.
“We’ve gone to Wembley and had a taste of that, we know what it’s all about, and hopefully we can use that experience as well,” said McLaughlin.
“We’ve had had our Wembley experience, got all the stars in your eyes stuff out the way, and really focused.
“It’s going to be tough again, they’re a very good team.
“They’ve been tough games when we’ve played them. It’ll be tough but we’ve got enough in the locker to achieve what we want to achieve, which is promotion.
“If we don’t get promoted it’ll be seen as a failure, we know that and understand the pressure. That’s why our celebrations weren’t crazy when we won the semi-final,” he continued.
“Of course, we’re delighted to get through, but we know that we’ve achieved nothing so far.”
