Megson: Sunderland is cup final

Megson's men are a point above the Barclays Premier League relegation zone and face title-chasing Chelsea on the last day of the season - meaning they need a win against Roy Keane's men.

"We've just played two cup finals. When we trooped off the pitch at Villa Park (lost 4-0), we were the lowest we've been for some time," Megson said. "It was a really poor performance and result, and we had two away games coming up. We managed four points from them and it's a position when the Sunderland game is a cup final."

He added: "We will have 25,000 people there, hopefully helping us get a result we need and then let's see other results. It's so complicated.

"It doesn't matter if Sunderland are safe or not, we have to perform like I know we can."

Despite Birmingham and Reading drawing, Megson did not view the 1-1 as a missed opportunity.

"We have to view ourselves in isolation, not other people," he said.

"We didn't play well and were fortunate to go in at half-time all square, although Tottenham didn't have many chances despite the possession.

"To score the first goal we're pleased with, but we didn't hang onto it long enough.

"It was probably not an opportunity lost, given the opposition."