SUNDERLAND go into today's FA Cup third round tie against Crystal Palace looking to avenge their worst performance of the season - losing to the First Division outfit in the quarter-finals of the Worthington Cup just over two weeks ago.

Scottish B international Alex Rae believes he and his team-mates have something to make up for in front of supporters who made two wasted journeys to Selhurst Park.

He admitted: "We can't play as badly as that again. We didn't perform on the night and we didn't show much character, which is something we haven't been labelled with recently.

"It was our worst performance of the season, especially with so much at stake - the Worthington Cup offers a place in Europe.

"We definitely have something to make up for and the FA Cup offers us a new competition to try to do well in.

"The manager won't need to pump us up for this game because a lot of the boys were really disappointed with the way we played at Selhurst Park and they want to make amends."

Rae, who equalised at Selhurst Park and then suffered the disappointment of seeing his side concede a late goal to a buoyant Palace side, believes the defeat might have acted as a spur - Sunderland went on to take ten points from a possible 12.

He said: "It might have given us the kick up the backside we deserved and we went on to have a good holiday period.

"But we want to do well against Crystal Palace and have a good run in the FA Cup.

"We don't fear anyone at the moment, especially at the Stadium of Light, and we are also doing well on our travels.

"But we will have to play well against Palace - it will be like a cup final to them.

"We have to be on our game because we have a lot to aim for in the competition."

Manager Peter Reid expects a much better performance from his players the second time around against Palace.

He said: "We were absolutely awful on the night at Selhurst Park and they turned us over.

"Playing Palace again in the FA Cup adds a little extra spice and I don't think our players will need any motivating.

"I was very disappointed with the way we played at Selhurst Park - it wasn't a Sunderland team.

"It was a chance to qualify for Europe but we didn't turn up on the night - it wasn't a team performance I could identify with.

"You can always have an off day, but I was very, very disappointed."

Reid has decided to take no chances with his Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn, who is still troubled with a back injury, and Danny Dichio, who marked his first Premiership start against Ipswich with a goal, retains his place.

Swedish international Stefan Schwarz is expected to replace Argentinian Julio Arca, who is required by his country for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup qualifying competition in Ecuador.

"A couple of the lads are also carrying knocks and I might have to make other changes," he said.