'Best player at the club!': Sunderland fans weigh-in on the big Chris Maguire debate as forward falls down the pecking order under Lee Johnson

The Scot was left out of the match day squad for the weekend win over Doncaster Rovers, and we took to social media to ask fans whether they felt Maguire should be handed another opportunity in the first team fold.

And while opinions were split, there was a consensus that the 31-year-old could prove a gamechanger for the Black Cats – similarly to Aiden McGeady.

But other felt that Johnson’s judgement should be trusted on this matter.

On our Facebook page, Kaye Thubron said: “He needs the crowds there to get him going, cracking player with some brilliant goals for us over two seasons but he’s struggled this season playing in empty grounds!”

Darren Fish added: “He's one of the few success stories from Donalds time here. He needs to get his mind back on his game. If he does go, good luck to the lad.”

David Martin posted: “Best player at the club”

And Lin Easom commented: “He’s done well for us in the past, his confidence has taken a knock. He’s King Chris. He’s earned a place in the team”

But Ian Taggart argued: “No. I trust Johnson has seen enough to make a decision on him . Trust in him”

Tom Gardner wrote: “A fit and motivated Maguire would definitely add something to the squad, perhaps not as a starter as he slows the game down, especially with his pirouettes. Ultimately only Maguire can get himself elevated to the first team squad. The question should be has he the desire to be included, we carry too many passengers.”

Paul Clennell added: “he's either 2/10 or 8/10 nothing inbetween and lately its bee mostly 2/10......sad because when he is at it he's a game changer”

Meanwhile on Twitter, @LimiSAFC1973 said: “I like Maguire, brilliant on his day. Not sure he did enough though. Definitely would have lost a bit of confidence being a big character and suddenly finding himself on the bench or not in the squad. I'd like to see him back in the team till the end of season personally”

But @mackemviking argued: “Time for him to move on. Good on his day but when given a chance from the bench doesn’t really impress. Besides the pace that the side needs isn’t maguires style of play. Move him on along with a few others”

@j60nta2 posted: “Yes, yes I would. The same people who months ago said McGeady shouldn't be given another chance but now love him back in the side are probably saying Maguire is past it, or not good enough. He's a very good player still.”

@Jamestweddell agreed, tweeting: “In my opinion a hungry and motivated Chris Maguire is a player we’d be stupid not to have in a match day squad. Think he’d be a great option in that second striker position which O’Brien and Gooch have been playing lately (and deserve to be too)”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor