'I’d fancy myself against him': Retired ex-Sunderland defender delivers honest verdict on misfiring striker

A retired former Sunderland defender has provided an honest assessment of misfiring striker Will Grigg.
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After signing under Mick McCarthy, Danny Collins made 163 appearances for the Black Cats during a five-year stint which included two Championship winning seasons.

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Collins cemented himself as a success on Wearside and scooped two Fans’ Player of the Year awards. However, Grigg looks to be on an altogether different path at Sunderland.

Will Grigg in action for Sunderland against MK Dons at the Stadium of Light.Will Grigg in action for Sunderland against MK Dons at the Stadium of Light.
Will Grigg in action for Sunderland against MK Dons at the Stadium of Light.

The Northern Ireland international has netted just five times in 28 League One appearances since signing from Wigan in a big-money move last January. And Collins, speaking on The Roar Podcast, pondered 28-year-old’s recent performances.

“He looks isolated at times. Balls are going up to him and he’s fighting with six-foot-two plus centre-halves,” Collins explained. “But, at the same time, has his body language been positive throughout the games? Not really, for me.

“He can do a bit more and I know his game is balls in and around the box. Is the service good enough into him at the minute? Probably not.

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“So, there’s a lot of issues to be addressed over the next few weeks and a corner needs turning sharpish.

“You know, I could still go out there now, and I’d fancy myself to have a good game against him with the service he’s getting,” he concluded.