'He’s more mobile!' - Ex-Sunderland favourite delivers interesting verdict on striker debate

Since joining in January, ex-Rangers man Lafferty has had to make do with a spot on the bench, with Phil Parkinson preferring Wyke to lead the line.

And it looks to have paid off with the Black Cats hitting a good run of form post-Boxing Day.

But despite just losing once in 13 and winning three on the spin since defeat away to Portsmouth, some fans have called for Lafferty to start over Wyke, given the 27-year-old’s poor goal return, with just four in 23 League One games.

Ex-Sunderland attacker Brady – speaking on the Sunderland Echo’s Roar Podcast – has had his say and also offered some insight into Parkinson’s thinking.

“As much as Charlie Wyke will give his all,” Brady said.

“I don’t think in terms of goals or assists there’s an outstanding product there. I know there’s been one or two, but in the main, I think Lafferty would offer you something different.

“He’s more mobile, I think he’s as good in the air even though he’s as bulky as Wyke.

“I think with Wyke, and I don’t have the statistics to hand, but Phil Parkinson will be able to see that although he doesn’t provide many direct assists, perhaps he’s very good at assisting assists.

“Somebody who is less physical might not be able to provide that. People look for goals and assists first and foremost from a centre-forward, but Phil Parkinson can look to the collective form of late and think ‘Well, Charlie Wyke played a part in it.’”

Ahead of Saturday’s League One game against Bristol Rovers at the Stadium of Light (KO 3pm), Brady added. “I think the most important thing regarding Saturday is to try and start in the manner they’ve started in recent home matches.

“To be three-nill up in three of the last home matches at half-time tells you something about what can be a very positive, reciprocal relationship between the starting XI and the supporters,” he concluded.