GRAEME Murty has hailed the never-say-die resilience of Sunderland's youngsters who "like proving people wrong" - and has challenged them to now put the finishing touches to a memorable season when they take on Tottenham in this weekend's Premier League 2 play-off final.

Sunderland's Under-21s - who were missing Chris Rigg after the star midfielder's England Under-17s call-up - edged out Reading 4-3 in a thrilling semi-final on Monday night, with Ellis Taylor bagging a hat-trick, including a 99th minute equaliser to take the game to extra-time. With penalties looming, Trey Ogunsuyi then scored a dramatic 120th minute winner.

The Black Cats will now head for the capital for this weekend's final to take on Tottenham. Spurs will be firm favourites having topped the league standings before the play-offs got underway, but Murty says: "I've told the lads they get to choose how the story ends. You have to have resilience and resolve to play for this club and sometimes a pig-headed refusal to stay down can see you through."

Sunderland have had a remarkable charge to the final, coming from behind and scoring an equaliser in the last minute of extra time before beating West Ham on penalties in the quarter-finals. They looked set for a more comfortable passage against Reading when Taylor - who will leave the club this summer when his contract expires - scored two first half goals to give the Black Cats a 2-1 lead at the break. But the Royals came roaring back and looked set for the final after a quickfire double, only for Taylor to level late on before Ogunsuyi's last gasp winner in extra time.

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Murty said: "I'm trying to be calm for the players, because that's what they deserve.

"Nobody at the start of the season could have foreseen this outcome, but they like proving people wrong and challenges. They seem to like making it really hard for themselves but I can't do anything other than praise their spirit.

"We can put them in scenarios that are difficult for them and challenge their emotional maturity, but I can't replicate what they've just gone though. For them to dig really deep and come up with the answers, mentally it's an outstanding attribute to have.

"Hopefully they use this in the future so they know when things are tough and they're challenged, they can rely on themselves and each other and will have a well of belief and competence at coping with stress that is an invaluable tool.

"This group of young man have grown beyond all recognition this year. They deserve a hell of a lot of credit.

"Credit to Reading, they're relentless and very good at what they do. As a learning experience, for our lads to stand up to that and dig out a result was outstanding. I take my hat off to them, I've got nothing but praise for them."

Murty says attention must now quickly turn to the final, and has reminded his young players of the need to be "professional" and focus on recovery.

He said: "No matter what happens in the final. I'll be immensely proud."