Sunderland completed the signing of Marc McNulty from Reading in the week, with the forward likely to play a key role for Jack Ross' side as they look to win promotion next season.

The Black Cats were favourites to go up in the previous campaign, however they fell short in the race for the top two and then lost in the play-off final to Charlton.

Whilst the manner of the defeat was unfortunate, the reality is that the defeat to the Addicks meant the Wearside outfit had failed to live up to expectations.

And, a key reasons for that was the sale of Josh Maja to Bordeaux in January. Even though he left in the winter window, the youngster remained Sunderland's top scorer with 15.

So, Ross desperately needed a new forward and McNulty will have to step up - and our graphic shows that he might be able to do that.

Even though nine goals in the season isn't extremely impressive, he only played 2097 minutes, which means he averaged a goal every two-and-a-half games.

That's a decent strike rate considering a lot of those minutes came in the Championship with the Royals, so he should find it easier to adapt to a lower level.

The vast majority of his goals came in Scotland though, with a spell at Hibs the perfect platform for McNulty to rediscover his best form and it means he should arrive at the Stadium of Light with real confidence.

Another positive for Ross is that the Scotland international had an xG (expected goals) of 11.95. Whilst that can suggest he was more wasteful in front of goal than he should have been, it does prove that the former Coventry man gets chances.

Sunderland are going to be a side that dominate most of the play next season and they will need someone to be able to sniff out opportunities when sides defend deep against them.

His 59 shots on target again highlights how he is sharp in front of goal as when you look at those efforts compared to his minutes on the pitch, it shows McNulty is regularly getting in decent positions.

Yet, there's more to his game than just goals, with four assists proving how he is capable of linking play and developing an understanding with those around him and a potential partnership with Charlie Wyke could work well.

The 26-year-old is also clever with movement and often drops deep to turn and run at the opposition, evident by his 42 successful dribbles.

That is a very useful skill to have in a forward as it will allow Ross' side to counter attack at speed and an ability to drift past players opens up space for others.

So, even though McNulty endured an underwhelming spell with Reading, he proved his talent in Edinburgh and Sunderland fans should feel confident that he will be able to flourish in League One. After last seasons disappointment, adding a forward was a necessity and this could prove to be a smart move by the Black Cats.