Sunderland's Kazenga LuaLua is ready to start his first game for the club in the coming weeks and may have to be used in an unnatural centre-forward position to help the struggling side.

The former Brighton man signed a short-term deal in January but has struggled with injuries which have restricted him to just four substitute appearances since joining.

However, the international break will allow the 27-year old to build up his fitness and he could be in line for a first start against Derby County next week.

Even though he has spent the majority of his career as a winger, Chris Coleman may use LuaLua up front given the Black Cats issues in the final third - which the player would welcome.

"It is the manager’s choice and wherever he puts you, you play, I’m happy to do it. I’ve not played there too many times. I was always a winger at Brighton but wherever the manager puts me I’ll do a job for the team," he was quoted by the Sunderland Echo.

Coleman's men are five points away from safety ahead of the final eight games of the season.

The Verdict

This is good news for Sunderland as LuaLua has real pace, skill and is unpredictable which makes him hard to defend against.

Given how weak the Wearside outfit look going forward it's understandable that Coleman will want to use him down the middle and hopefully he can given them a different option in the final third.

It's a massive ask for Sunderland to stay up givne their recent performances but having LuaLua back will only help.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know in the comments below.