Sunderland fans demand Regis Le Bris starts to use one rarely-seen player, he’s ‘exactly’ what Black Cats need now

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Sunderland are stuck in a bit of a rut right now, but fans believe there is one player who can make a real difference in the final run-in.

After an incredible first half of the season, the wheels have slowly started to, not exactly come off, but certainly buckle for Sunderland since the turn of the year.

Recent defeats to Leeds United, Hull City, and the particularly crushing collapse against Coventry City have left the Black Cats with no real hope of making it into the automatic promotion spots.

Indeed, as things stand, Regis Le Bris’ side are stagnating, and could find themselves brushed aside once the play-offs arrive.

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Alan Browne should start the next game, say Sunderland fans

Clearly, something has to change for Sunderland as they head into the final run-in. While a number of Sunderland players are on international duty right now, there is one left behind at the club who could make a real difference when the league fixtures resume.

Taking to Twitter/X, James Copley asked fans whether Alan Browne is due a starting spot in the team against Cardiff City, and the response was clear.

One replied: “After the Coventry game, mentality is being rightly questioned because they played like they had their feet up and forgot their standards. His experience when mentality and confidence is low could be key the next few games.”

Another said: “If we’re serious about kick-starting a tilt at the play-offs then I think Rigg, Jobe and Neil all need resting for a few games now. What’s the point in having a squad if you’re not going to rotate it when required?”

Some fans don’t just believe Browne could be a good option, they even think he can be pivotal moving forward.

One supporter replied, “100% – plain to see he’s exactly what we need,” while another added, “Definitely. We need experience and fresh legs. Looked like we were running on empty against Coventry.”

Getting games under the belt for Browne could well be very important heading into the crunch period this season, with a Black Cats fan suggesting the midfielder needs a gun run in the team.

“For me, he should play the next few games. We’ll only see the best of him if he gets a little run in the team,” they said. Another even thinks Browne deserves a regular spot, adding, “Think he needs to be in the remainder of the season.”

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Regis Le Bris has to start rotating his squad or the play-offs will end in failure

The time has certainly come for Regis Le Bris to shuffle his pack. Results and performances are not at the required level for a team hoping to go up via the play-offs right now, and Coventry City showed the Black Cats exactly what they are up against last weekend.

Too many Sunderland players have played too many minutes this season. Granted, Le Bris’ hands have been tied a lot of the time, but he’s now got some options that he simply has to give his trust to.

There are Sunderland youngsters desperate for a chance, and fringe players Le Bris hasn’t utilised enough, who can step in and bring some fresh legs and renewed energy to the Mackems for the final eight games.

If the team doesn’t get some momentum and confidence soon, those play-offs will be a dismal affair, with other teams around Sunderland already on a roll going into the most important period of the season.