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‘The king is back’, ‘Utter desperation from Parky’ – Many Sunderland fans react to rarely-seen player’s inclusion

Almost 12 months to the day since Aiden McGeady last appeared in a Sunderland shirt, the former Republic of Ireland international has been named in the Black Cats’ Under-23s side to face Crystal Palace this afternoon.
McGeady last featured for the Stadium of Light outfit in a 2-1 home to Burton last November, an afternoon in which the attacker opened the scoring from the penalty, but wouldn’t play again after manager Phil Parkinson told the Irishman he had no future at the club.
He was then loaned out to Charlton in the January transfer window, and would make 10 appearances for the Addicks, although he was unable to stop Lee Bowyer’s men from suffering relegation.
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McGeady returned to Sunderland at the end of last season, but hasn’t been involved in a single matchday squad this season.
However, much to the surprise of the Black Cats faithful, McGeady has been named in the starting line-up for Sunderland’s Under-23s – with many fans taking to social media, urging Parkinson to bring the 34-year-old back into the first-team frame.
Check some of the best replies on Twitter:
AIDEN MCGEADY RUNS DOWN THE WING FOR ME
— Jake Davison (@JakeDavison15) November 23, 2020
He's playing pic.twitter.com/luoXSfyROl
— Mando🔴⚪ (@KINGMAGUIRE1) November 23, 2020
AIDEN, AIDEN MCGEADY RUNS DOWN THE WING FOR ME
— Danny (@DannyConnollyy) November 23, 2020
At least four there that should be starting for the first team!
— The Riddler (@Riddler2493) November 23, 2020
AIDEN MCGEADY PLEASE LET THE MAN BE BACK ❤️
— James Tweddell (@Jamestweddell) November 23, 2020
Oh my god McGeady freed
— Matty Cain (@MattyCain2) November 23, 2020
Parky out mcgeady in
— Michael Cowie (@MikeyCowie1999) November 23, 2020
Aiden McGeady runs down the wing for me https://t.co/hj001olNd6
— Chadd Pearson (@ChaddPearson7) November 23, 2020
The king is back!!! https://t.co/KYp7hkaBmA
— Gareth Mence (@GarethMence) November 23, 2020
My man Aiden back in business 🙌 https://t.co/9Vsr9HD1mX
— Connor Bromley (@ConnorBromley) November 23, 2020