Regis Le Bris has a secret weapon at Sunderland who can play a vital role in the Championship promotion race.
Sunderland played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Leeds United on Friday night as Illan Meslier’s blunder saw them rescue a point in the 97th minute.
The result demonstrated the Black Cats’ ability to compete against a side gunning for promotion, with that point keeping them top of the Championship.
Despite feeling pleased with the result, Regis Le Bris did admit one mistake he made against Leeds United, while journalist Phil Smith pointed out two reasons why Sunderland aren’t automatic promotion contenders.
One reason he cited was their current lack of depth, with the French manager currently missing multiple players through injury, including centre-back Dan Ballard and striker Eliezer Mayenda.
There was however, one attacker on his bench who could prove to be a secret weapon in Sunderland’s promotion push.
Aaron Connolly can be Sunderland’s secret weapon in promotion race
Towards the end of their draw with Leeds, the Mackems needed someone to come off the bench and produce a piece of magic.
With Mayenda’s return from injury imminent and the likes of Nazariy Rusyn and Abdoullah Ba untrusted, responsibility could soon fall at the feet of new signing Aaron Connolly to deliver those moments.
The 24-year-old was a free agent following his release from Hull City, with Sunderland snapping up Connolly on a free transfer.
The Irishman was named on the bench for the first time against Leeds United, and although he didn’t come on, Le Bris is expected to use him after the international break.
Last season, although Connolly suffered from several injury troubles and an attitude problem, he still scored 8 goals in 28 Championship appearances, with three of those contributions coming from the bench.
If the 9-cap Republic of Ireland international can put the past behind him and use his move to the Stadium of Light as a fresh slate, Le Bris could have the perfect super sub or permanent starter on his hands.
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Why Aaron Connolly is great to bring off the bench
Previously dubbed ‘magnificent’ by Alan Shearer, one of Connolly’s main strengths is his movement and pace to stretch defences.
Therefore, bringing him on against tiring legs late on in a game can pay dividends, just like it did at times for Hull last season.
Sunderland will be in a lot of close encounters this term and having strength in depth on the bench could be crucial to turning one point into three.
When at the top of his game, Connolly is a joy to watch, as his ability to press from the front and annoy defences are two attributes that could come in handy.
In short, if the diminutive Irishman can stay fit and show a level of maturity, he could become a big hit in the North East, though that is a big if.