Sunderland attacker Aiden McGeady has made an astonishing admission about his fitness following Sunderland's recent push towards a top two place.

The Republic of Ireland winger has been sensational for the Black Cats this season, earning their Player of the Year award, but as he revealed to the Sunderland Echo, it's come at a price.

"It's probably not the right thing to say because other teams can try and capitalise on it but against Accrington I've fractured a bone in my foot," he said.

The Accrington game resulted in a 3-0 win for Jack Ross' side, but they've played five fixtures since then, with McGeady appearing in three of them.

"It was either my season was over or try and manage the pain. From day to day I've not really been training and then played, that's how it has been for the last two games.

"If I'm being totally honest, there's parts of the game where I don't feel myself because of the pain. The manager wanted to take the risk and I did as well, because I'm enjoying my season, enjoying playing."

[ad_pod ]

Sunderland are currently fourth in the table, four points behind second-placed Barnsley with a game in hand. They face Portsmouth this weekend in a must-win fixture if they're to keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive.

The Verdict

McGeady is a fighter, a true professional who has played through the pain barrier for his side.

I think they've got enough quality to let him recover, at least for a couple of matches, and not suffer the consequences. If they're reliant on one player, with the squad and resources they have, there's something wrong with their recruitment.