Bailey Wright has credited both sides as Sunderland surpassed Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 on aggregate to reach the Sky Bet League One Play-Off final.
Sterling performances from Wright and his teammates mean Alex Neil’s men have done enough to book a place at Wembley on May 21, where they will face Wycombe Wanderers for the last remaining place in the Championship in 2022-23.
“First and foremost, Sheffield Wednesday gave us a right good game over two legs,” the defender told Sky Sports following the semi-final.
“Unfortunately, there is always a loser, and for us it’s a huge positive that we’ve got ourselves into the final.
“We put our bodies on the line, and we have big-game players like Pat [Roberts] and Jack [Clarke] who show that quality.”
The Australian – who left the Hillsborough pitch considerably bloodied and bruised as the Black Cats threw everything at reaching the final – has bowed to the Wearside support and insisted it will be needed in its thousands for a successful trip to the capital.
“The support has been amazing, both at home and away – not just in the Play-Offs, but throughout the season.
“We’ll need that for the final, no doubt about it. There’s still a way to go yet, and we’ll be ready to try and achieve our common goal.”