Charlie Wyke was the big arrival in the summer at Sunderland. He cost them £1m and was seen as the goal scorer they needed to haul themselves out of the third-tier.

He picked up an injury in the summer and has been fighting a losing battle ever since. Josh Maja more than filled in during his absence and the Black Cats found a method by which to launch a proper play-off push. They rose up the division and settled into second place, without Wyke's input.

The former Bradford man should now be very concerned for his immediate future, despite leading the line in the recent 1-0 win against Wimbledon. Last Thursday saw Sunderland bring in two new forwards, one being Will Grigg for a League One record fee.

That should spark serious concern for 26-year-old Wyke.

Since his return on Boxing Day he's played eight matches and bagged just once, against Newcastle United Under-21's in the EFL trophy. He's looked lethargic and maybe, just maybe a little out of sorts.

Jack Ross will claim Grigg has come in to replace Maja, but Sunderland play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the one having been Maja. If Grigg is going to play there instead, where does that leave Wyke?

He's been unlucky with his injuries, but is that a reason to favour him over a man who allegedly cost four times as much? If that wasn't bad enough, they also brought in Kazaiah Sterling from Spurs. He's a young, ambitious striker with energy and verve, surely that is the Maja replacement? He's 20-years-old and is very much like Maja, whilst Grigg isn't.

Grigg is much more like Wyke, in terms of age and experience and that doesn't bode well at all. It seems as though Jack Ross has given Wyke the chance to shine and due to both injury and a dry spell in front of goal, he hasn't taken his chance.

Whilst Will Grigg is on fire, Charlie Wyke looks set to be on the bench smouldering, having failed to catch light when handed the opportunity.