DISAPPOINTED Sunderland manager Peter Reid admitted last night that it was a crucial mistake by goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen which cost his side the game at Fulham - but added quickly: "I would not swap him for anyone."

Reid thought that the Wearsiders had weathered the Craven Cottage storm and were heading for a goalless draw when the Dane kicked the ball straight to an opponent.

He said: "I couldn't see a goal coming but the mistake changed the game.

"Fulham are a good footballing team but I felt we fought off the worst of their attacks.

"At this level and against players like Saha and Hayles you can't afford to make mistakes.

"I thought we had weathered the storm and I felt we had the better first half chances but didn't take them."

He added: "I thought it would take something really special to bring a goal and there had been some good moves and some good chances, but in the end it was a mistake, which was unfortunate for my goalkeeper.

"If a goalkeeper makes a mistake it is usually punished and he has held up his hands in the dressing room. But I would not swap him for anyone.

"It's disappointing but it is just one of those things."

Reid was pleased with the performance of young Irish defender George McCartney, who was handed a surprise call-up.

He said: "He has played before but he did well in pre-season and earned his chance. It was a great experience for him out there."

Despite the defeat, Reid doesn't think he will have to lift his players for Sunday's big derby clash with Newcastle.

He said: "I don't think there will be any need to pick anyone up for the weekend - everyone knows what that game is all about."

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