5 players who could step in for Aiden McGeady for Sunderland against Blackpool
As Christmas swiftly approaches, Sunderland look set to receive coal as problems on and off the pitch continue to mount.
News of star man Aiden McGeady being transfer listed following a rumoured training ground incident has rocked the League One side and its fan base.
And with pressure already on manager Phil Parkinson, fans are keen to see who he puts in place of McGeady ahead of Blackpool after he ruled him out of the weekends clash.
Here are five potential replacements, who could slot in for the want away winger against the tangerines:
Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka
Swedish winger Kimpioka has seen his first team involvement increased under the new manager as speculation over the youngsters’ future continues to drag on.
He would be a like for like replacement for Republic of Ireland international, whilst adding pace and power to a misfiring forward line that is sorely lacking
Denver Hume
The academy graduate has been a standout for the Black Cats this season, impressing with his attacking qualities, with a willingness to drive at defenders and put in dangerous crosses for strikers.
Primarily a left-back, in the cup Hume has seen his involvement moved to the left-wing, and with Laurens De Bock ready to fill in at the back, a move further forward in the League could prove an inspired change.
Lynden Gooch
After a poor end to the previous season, the young American has hit the ground, but after picking up an injury against Tranmere, he has seen his season temporarily halted, which has seriously hurt his side is the process.
But after a week’s training, Gooch returns to contention for Blackpool, the natural right winger could be moved to left and fill a void that has been left open since his injury in October.
Chris Maguire
The man labelled the King last season has been a mixed-bag so far despite having five goals and two assists this campaign.
After recent poor performances, Blackpool has become a massive, must-win game, which could prove perfect for big game player Maguire to thrive in whilst allowing Luke O’Nien to move into the attacking midfield position.
Charlie Wyke
In his return from injury against Gillingham last time out, Wyke emerged from the bench and showed just what his side has missed, impressing and having a goal disallowed.
With Will Grigg in dire form, Wyke could be the answer to the goal shy attack, be it alone or moving to two strikers with Grigg or Marc McNulty, he can show what a decent target man can do under Parkinson’s tactics.
