Neil Warnock responds to ex-Newcastle man's criticism as former Sunderland player shortlisted for award

When asked about those comments, opposition manager Warnock responded: "I think when your team lets in two goals like that, you have to have a go at something. You don't look at yourself, you look at someone else."

And on the game in general, the 74-year-old added: "I thought it was a cracking game in difficult conditions and they're a good side, aren't they? We've played five good sides in the last five games and got 11 points. We've got to be delighted. I see it as a point earned now, but it was disappointing to concede as late as we did. But if you'd offered me a point when they scored in the 46th minute, I'd have snapped your hand off.

“We're disappointed we didn't win it, because of the timing of the goal, but if we'd have known they were going to score in the first minute of the second half, we'd say we’d have done well to hang on. We defended really well, put bodies on the line and tackles. I don't think I can get any more effort out of the group of players than I've got here. They're all genuine kids."

In other news, former Sunderland midfielder Bali Mumba is up for the EFL League One Young Player of the Season award.

Charlton Athletic’s Jes Rak-Sakyi also makes the shortlist, with Ipswich Town midfielder Cameron Humphreys and Plymouth Argyle’s Mumba – who is on loan from Norwich City – completing the line-up.

Mumba departed Sunderland under the Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven ownership group. While the Academy of Light retained its Category One status, several exciting young starlets were allowed to depart and Madrox’s watch under the duo’s stewardship

Luca Stephenson, Hugill, Sam Greenwood, Mumba, Francis Okoronkwo and Logan Pye all departed. The mass exodus didn’t sit well with supporters and pundits with many feeling the club’s academy was heading in the wrong direction.

Sunderland forward Amad Diallo – on loan from Manchester United – has been nominated for the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season award.