Sunderland will be hoping they can fire themselves into the automatic promotion places in League One before this year's campaign reaches a conclusion. 

The Black Cats are currently sat seventh in the League One table, but are just three points adrift of second-placed Rotherham United

However, that promotion bid has been called to an abrupt halt due to recent off-the-field events, with no scheduled return date being put in place as of yet.

The EFL recently announced that they are considering a number of proposals to reach the conclusion of this year's campaign, with one of them believed to be the potential of a mini-league.

Speaking in an interview with Football Insider, former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips reacted to this potential proposal of a min-league in League One.

"It would almost be like the play-offs.

"When they come around everyone gets excited but as a player they are very nerve-wracking and edgy. A lot of high-pressure situations so whether that happens, I am not so sure."

Phillips went on to admit that his former side would surely be content with a min-league this season, although he claimed it would be a nervy time to be a player in that situation.

"Sunderland would take it right now given the form that they had going into the break. Everyone would be on a level playing field then and it would be a knockout competition where the best team wins.

"It would be very exciting for the supporters I am sure but very, very nerve-wracking for the players."

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The Verdict: 

I'm not convinced that this would be the right way to finish the season in English football.

You want to see a fair reflection in the league table from every team playing against everyone in the second tier this season, and a mini-league wouldn't be the way forward in my eyes.

Sunderland will be confident that they can hold their nerve in the race for promotion, and will be keen to make a timely return to the Championship under the guidance of Phil Parkinson.

If they don't achieve that, then I have serious doubts as to whether Parkinson will remain in charge at the Stadium of Light next season.