Sunderland will be hoping they can mount a serious challenge for promotion into the Championship this season under the management of Phil Parkinson. 

The Black Cats finished eighth in the League One standings last term, in what was a frustrating campaign, as the season was concluded on a PPG (points per game) basis.

One player who will be hoping he can play his part in that push for promotion this season is Will Grigg, who struggled for a positive run of performances last term.

The Northern Irish international scored just three goals in 27 appearances for Sunderland last term, and will be eager to hit the ground running this season.

Grigg missed his penalty in the shoot-out against Hull City at the weekend, as Sunderland crashed out of the EFL Cup at the first round stage.

Sunderland midfielder Max Power has recently claimed that Grigg could score 20 goals for Sunderland in the 2020/21 season, as they target promotion.

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, former Sunderland forward Kevin Phillips has reacted to that somewhat bold claim, and certainly doesn't agree with Power.

"From the evidence of last season I do not think he can score 20 goals. I am not going to beat around the bush.

"When he first signed I thought he was going to be that player. I like him but I do not see enough of anything last year. There was not one thing that I saw him do well. No real work rate and at times it was like he was hiding."

Phillips went on to state that he is keen to see Grigg prove him wrong, but isn't hopeful that the forward can score 20 goals for the Black Cats this term.

"I would like to think he can score 20 because you do not become a bad player overnight. Max Power is right, strikers are only as good as the service.

"I hope he proves me wrong but I do not see him scoring 20 goals this season."

Sunderland host Bristol Rovers in their first league match this season at the Stadium of Light on Saturday 12th September.

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The Verdict: 

I have to agree with Phillips here.

Grigg really struggled for a positive run of performances in front of goal last season with Sunderland, and I just can't see why it would be different this time around.

The Black Cats have signed the likes of Aiden O'Brien who will be able to provide a creative spark for the Sunderland strikers, so it'l be interesting to see whether Grigg can improve his goalscoring record this term.

If Grigg can find some consistency though, then you have to imagine that Sunderland will be in with a serious chance of winning promotion this season.