The January transfer window is almost upon us and for Sunderland it could make or break the season.
Phil Parkinson has not enjoyed the best start to his time in the North East with the Black Cats currently sitting in 12th place in League One.
Four points off the play-offs and nine from the automatic promotion spots, signings in the transfer market could be exactly what's needed to move the club closer to the promotion spots.
But that means that some may have to be moved on.
One player who could be moving on is Ruben Sammut.
The former Chelsea youngster has been training with Sunderland's first team squad in recent weeks but has admitted that at 22 years of age, he may need to seek out a loan switch to play regular football.
Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, he said: "He [Parkinson] has given me a little opportunity to train with them and travel, and it’s up to me in under-23 games and training to show him what I can do.
“It’s really good, even just to see how some of them work.
“You’ve got the likes of Grant Leadbitter who has played in the Premier League. Seeing what he’s like day-to-day and how he acts on and off the pitch, on away trips is brilliant.
Can you remember Sunderland's last 16 Boxing Day results? Let's find out!
“It’s a real eye-opener and a good experience for me.
“To make my football league debut is something I’ve been working towards my whole football career, and hopefully that can happen.”
Sammut added: "Whether there is a loan move on the cards, that sort of thing, I just want to try and get senior football.
“I think at the age I’m at I need to be playing at that level and testing myself.
“Hopefully, something like that can happen."
The verdict
Ruben Sammut would certainly benefit from first team football.
The 22-year-old needs to be playing in the professional game if he's to carve out a career in, and with opportunities limited with the Black Cats, a loan switch would certainly make sense.
Moving on could also benefit Sunderland by freeing up space for a potential first team signing.
