John O'Shea admits comeback kings Sunderland have slipped into the deepest hole yet as the prospect of another great escape recedes.
The 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international is a veteran of the club's increasingly remarkable fightbacks in each of the last four seasons to stave off the spectre of relegation from the Premier League, and had high hopes of playing his part in another.
However, Wednesday night's 1-0 derby defeat at Middlesbrough left the Black Cats 12 points adrift of safety with just 15 to play for, and knowing it could be all over on Saturday if they do not beat Bournemouth and results elsewhere go against them.