Inside the Sunderland debut that had fans talking and what it means for the long-term

For most supporters, it will not represent a pleasant memory – and will hopefully just become a disappointing footnote in what was otherwise a successful season (providing, of course, the Black Cats achieve their primary aim of promotion).

But for Callum McFadzean, it’s a game that will hold some significance given it marked his Sunderland debut.

And he marked the occasion with an impressive performance; certainly, he was the pick of the bunch from a Sunderland perspective.

He was always an option on the left flank and wasn’t shy in getting forward and contributing to the attack – which is perhaps unsurprising given he started his career as a winger.

His delivery was Sunderland’s best outlet for large spells of the game, and it was his fine work on the left and teasing looped cross that created the Black Cats’ best chance of the contest – which resulted in Danny Graham heading off the underside of the bar when he really ought to have hit the back of the net.

It was this kind of delivery that had fans singing McFadzean’s praises on social media at half-time, having been impressed with his performance during the first 45 minutes.

His second half display was more subdued, although that was perhaps indicative of Sunderland’s showing as a whole - and the fact McFadzean was lacking some much-needed match fitness having not played since March.

But he remained involved, and has every right to be pleased with his debut showing.

But will he displace Denver Hume in the Sunderland side?

It’s unlikely to happen in the short-term given the academy graduate’s impressive form thus far this term. He has been one of Sunderland’s more consistent performances, is a real attacking outlet and – perhaps most crucially – has earned the trust of Parkinson, who knows he will deliver what is asked of him in that role.

But Hume’s injury, which reared its head again this week having sidelined him for the trip to Swindon last month, shows the need for good competition on the left flank.

And on the basis of McFadzean’s debut performance, Sunderland certainly have that.

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