Jamie McAllister explains exactly where Carl Winchester fits into the Sunderland squad and starting XI

Sunderland's assistant head coach played against the 27-year-old earlier in his career, and says he will be an asset to Lee Johnson in the weeks and months ahead.

Johnson and McAllister feel that the former Forest Green captain is a natural for two positions in the 4-3-3 system currently being used by the Black Cats, and will offer some welcome cover for Grant Leadbitter.

Leadbitter has excelled this season but the club are facing a punishing fixture schedule.

"The gaffer has worked with him at Oldham when he was a young player so he obviously knows him well," McAllister said.

"I've watched lots of videos of him and I've played against him, as well.

"He's just a tidy footballer, he's athletic, 6ft 1. He can mark, he can play box-to-box as an eight or as a six, sitting dictating because he's got good quality on the ball and a good range of passing. He can put his foot in, as well.

"It gives us a bit of cover for Grant Leadbitter, who obviously turned 35 the other day, as we have a lot of games coming up. Grant is a top player but he might need a rest somewhere along the way.

"He's also played right-back as well, which we saw Max Power do really well the other day. It's good to have that flexibility in players.

"It just adds to the squad, really. It's a new face, more competition, and hopefully he settles in well."

Johnson said on Sunday that Winchester had been playing 'below his natural level' in League Two.

"After assessing our squad and establishing the profile of midfielder we wanted to bring in, we evaluated all the elements, inclusive of the data, and felt that Carl was the right player to add to our squad,” Johnson said.

"He is a good player who is in the prime of his career, and his versatility means he can play in a number of positions, ensuring he will also bring depth to our squad.

"When he was a young player at Oldham, every top club wanted him, which shows the potential he has always had."

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