As quoted by The Shields Gazette, Sunderland boss Simon Grayson has hinted at a return to the starting line-up for winger Callum McManaman against Brentford.

The former Wigan man has impressed since signing in the summer for the Black Cats but he was left out of the XI for the game against QPR last weekend - something fans were not too pleased with. It seems, though, that match-fitness is something that needs to be worked on for the player, as Simon Grayson has suggested.

Indeed, that seems to be the reason that the winger has not started every game since joining but it looks as though he has impressed in training this week and a start for him against Brentford has been hinted at by his manager. The former Preston man said:

“He is looking really fit and strong in training and he is certainly in my plans - as he has been from day one - but we have now seen him on a daily basis improve his fitness levels, he has all the skill that has made him the player that he is."

McManaman is certainly what you'd call an old-school winger with the way he looks to beat a man and then deliver a cross and that, naturally, excites fans. He could be on the pitch for the first whistle against Brentford this weekend, too, in a game that the Black Cats need to get a result from.

Both sides are at the wrong end of the table and whoever wins will get a huge confidence boost.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know below!