Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill was happy to avoid a penalty shootout for their FA Cup replay win over Middlesbrough.

Sunderland had Stephane Sessegnon to thank for their victory after he spared them a nail-biting penalty shoot-out with a winner eight minutes from the end of extra-time.

O'Neill said: "The penalty-kicks were a concern because it's a lottery. I obviously thought it was going to go that distance because the two teams were tiring.

"I know they were pressing as the ball broke down, but I am pleased from a selfish viewpoint that it didn't go to penalties.

"I thought the game was going to be hard, and it was. Over the two legs, I haven't been surprised - but I am going to stick up for us, I thought we were the better side today."