Scotland’s Lewis Morgan hopes his play-off pain can make him a better player.
Morgan thought his luck was in when he came on as a substitute after only nine minutes of the Wembley final against Charlton to replace the injured Max Power.
By then the Black Cats were leading 1-0 thanks to a bizarre own goal scored by Naby Sarr.
However, the Londoners went on to level and then grab the winner with the last kick of the game to keep the side managed by Jack Ross in League One.
It was a massive blow to both club and player, with Morgan ending his loan spell from Celtic on a real downer.
However, he claims to have learned from the experience and hopes to kick on with both Scotland and the Hoops.
Morgan said: “There was a disappointment in the play-off final and, obviously, it wasn’t the end of season we’d hoped for at club level.
“We shouldn’t have let it go to the play-offs, really.
“We wanted to get up automatically because you have seen in the play-offs that anything can happen.
“For me, though, I am lucky there is a chance to now end the season overall on a positive note.
“Although I can’t rectify what happened at club level, these international games are pivotal and training has been really good.
“Going to Sunderland has been a positive overall because it got me back into the international scene but I still feel there is more to come from me.
“I enjoyed being part of it and I hope it can stand me in good stead for the season coming up.
“It was a big marker for me and a good learning experience. I was working with a coaching staff that I know and respect so I am sure it will stand me in good stead.”
