Stephen Elliott: Sunderland players should be desperate to be part of the Kyril Louis-Dreyfus vision

There are a lot of games coming up and he will need to make sure everybody is up to match speed for when they are called upon. This may be his hardest task.

That said, there is real flexibility in this squad and whoever Johnson chooses to play doesn’t seem to weaken the team.

I’m a big fan of Lynden Gooch and was delighted to see his performance on Saturday.

I thought he was outstanding and scored another “worldie” to add to his impressive goal highlight reel.

The signing of Jordon Jones and the prominence of Jack Diamond seems to have brought out the best of him and hopefully that may continue.

I wouldn’t be hugely surprised or disappointed to see some changes against Fleetwood on Tuesday as Johnson’s style and principles seem to have been bought into by the whole squad.

It’s a perfect scenario when all of the players enjoy playing for their manager and hopefully whoever plays will be ready to go.

I think everyone has to place their trust in this manager, as he’s starting to really look at home here. I’m sure there are even more improvements to come, especially when everyone is fit.

On the wider scale, you sense there is something special happening at the club, what with Kyril Louis-Dreyfus coming in. If I was a player, I’d be desperate to be part of it.

So with that in mind, automatic promotion doesn’t seem as big a pipe dream as one may have thought a couple of months back.

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