Martin O'Neill was full of praise for Sunderland's work ethic over the festive fixtures despite falling to a 2-1 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

On his return to the Black Cats lineup, John O'Shea gave the hosts a half-time advantage which was cancelled out by a Carlos Cuellar own goal and Aaron Lennon's strike.

O'Neill feels that his side were slightly careless in conceding a quickfire double in the early stages of the second period, but could not doubt their commitment during the busy Christmas schedule.

He said: "It was a tough game and we knew it would be. We fought so hard to get in front and then gave it away in a two-minute spell just after half-time.

"We fought valiantly throughout the game I felt. There's been a big effort in the last couple of games and it has taken a lot out of the players.

"They still keep going right to the very end. We lack in certain things but in heart and soul we certainly don't. It is very seldom in terms of commitment that I would be unhappy with the team."

Sunderland, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League table, return to action against Liverpool on Wednesday.