There is very little for Sunderland to be positive about at this current time, with the Black Cats struggling in the Sky Bet Championship, having picked up just one victory so far this season.  

Sunderland are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table and beginning to face up to yet another fight for survival.

One positive to come out of the Stadium of Light this season has been Lewis Grabban, who has impressed for Sunderland, scoring eight goals.

There is plenty of pressure on Grabban at this current time, and Robbie Stockdale, Sunderland’s caretaker boss, has put his faith in Paddy McNair to support the striker from an attacking midfield role.

McNair is more known for his defensive qualities, but has been handed an attacking role in recent weeks, but is he the right man to be feeding Grabban?

We take a look… 

George Dagless

What a question.

No, he's not, even if he has played there at times on and off.

Sunderland do have some talent in their squad but it clearly isn't being utilised properly with McNair playing in the number 10 role.

A more orthodox option is needed and I wonder what Grabban thinks about it.

Sam Rourke

It's utterly bizarre.

Lets be honest, McNair is a centre-back by trade and that's really where he should be playing.

It baffles me how the likes of George Honeyman and Jonny Williams are being overlooked for Paddy McNair.

Adam Simeoni

The Northern Irishman has done well since coming back from injury, but he is hardly a creative midfielder.

A holding role better suits the player, or perhaps they should even consider bringing him back into the back-line, his original position when he graduated from Manchester United's academy.

The club need leaders at the back, and that could arguably be McNair's best position.

Chris Gallagher  

No, he's not, but you can say the same about Lee Cattermole, Didier Ndong and Darron Gibson.

The Black Cats are short of a creative midfielder, it has been clear to see this season.

McNair has very good attributes, but his game isn't about passing and that lack of quality from midfield has to be a concern.