STRIKER Dean Holdsworth has admitted that Wanderers' Wembley heartbreak marked the worst day of his footballing career.

Holdsworth whose glaring blunder in front of goal will be remembered as one of worst seen at the Twin Towers, said: "The miss was a huge disappointment. But I'm made of strong stuff. I think I showed by taking the first penalty that I will bounce back from this, and so will the team."

Wanderers boss Sam Allardyce refused to blame his controversial forward after Holdsworth shot over the Aston Villa bar with only minutes remaining in yesterday's FA Cup semi final. "I don't attribute any blame. If you were going to back anyone you would have backed Deano but it wasn't to be," said Allardyce who added that he was proud of his side's performance. Holdsworth went on to slam in his penalty after the match ended goalless but spot-kick misses from Allan Johnston and Michael Johansen gave Villa victory in the shoot-out.

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