Sunderland boss Roy Keane has blasted his players after they survived a Carling Cup shootout against Northampton.

Keane said: "I just had a feeling this morning that everyone felt we just had to turn up and we'd win - fans, players, everyone seemed to think we didn't need to try.

"We were at walking pace, there was no one sprinting, the passing was awful, no one was running off the ball, supporters were booing, abusing me towards the end. People have short memories but I'll remember that. You always remember the idiots.

"It was a bad, bad night. This is the worst of my career and I have had some - losing titles, doing my cruciates, sendings-off - and this is up there with them.

"It was a shambles from start to finish. You can't expect to turn up and win without running your socks off. The feelings I have are anger, frustration, disappointment and I could think of a few harsher words but don't think you could print them.

"And if anyone is brave enough to say we are in the next round, good luck to them."

It needed two late goals from substitute Anthony Stokes to spare Keane's blushes in 90 minutes and then a save in the penalty shootout from stand-in goalkeeper Marton Fulop for Sunderland to prevail.