Former Sunderland defender Micky Gray has indicated Sunderland should look to strengthen in January and may need to add a new centre-forward, in an exclusive interview with Football League World Chief Editor Sam Rourke.

Sunderland signed seven new players over the summer, with the majority of their additions arriving on free transfers or loan deals.

The Black Cats will likely have hoped to make a stronger start to the season and currently sit eighth, four points off leaders Wycombe Wanderers.

Speaking exclusive to Rourke, Gray suggested that the North East club should consider making more additions via the transfer market in January.

He said: “I think it is always healthy to strengthen if you possibly can but the players that you want at the club are only going to come on the back of success.

“If they see Sunderland dwindling around in mid-table or just below the play-offs then it is hard to attract those players.

“If you want better players than you’ve got then you have to look at the league above, which is obviously the Championship, and I think that will all depend on the success that the club have up until that January window.

“I’m sure that the scouts are doing the right thing and Jack Ross is obviously pinpointing what positions he wants to strengthen.”

Sunderland have lacked an in-form striker since the exit of Josh Maja in January, with his replacement Will Grigg scoring just six times in 30 appearances.

Gray indicated that the Black Cats may need to add more firepower when the transfer window reopens at the turn of the year.

He explained: “I always say you’re only as good as your centre-forward, so if they can strengthen in that area.

“Will Grigg has come into the side and been there for quite a while. He has said himself that he is disappointed with his form, so if that can change then I think they might not need to bring in another centre-forward.

“But that will be down to the form of the forwards they have already.”