This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson has had a less than impressive start to his tenure at he Stadium of Light, with three defeats in his last five league outings that has left the Black Cats down in ninth spot in League One, coupled with an FA Cup first round exit to Gillingham, it has not been an encouraging start.

Parkinson is looking to strengthen his squad though, with Scottish youngster Owen McGinty a player he is considering, according to The Scottish Sun, though he faces competition with Swansea and Bournemouth both interested.

So would the 18-year-old winger be a good addition at the Black Cats and is he actually needed?

We discuss..........

Chris Gallagher

"He is the sort of signing they should be looking at making.

"We can't really judge how he would adapt to life in League One but the fact that Bournemouth and Swansea are also tracking the player shows that he has a lot of talent. So, you would have to say he would be something of a coup.

"From Sunderland's perspective, they need to be targeting younger, hungry players who are desperate to do well and McGinty fits into that category.

"He has the potential to improve and grow into an important player for the Black Cats."

Chris Thorpe

"I think this would certainly be an interesting signing for the Black Cats, as McGinty is largely inexperienced at first team level, meaning that Sunderland would be signing a player that is still in his fledgling years.

"The youngster failed to make much of an impression at his former club Rangers, and as such found himself at Ayr United. His talent is clear for all to see, with the 18-year-old possessing a good low centre of gravity and dribbling skills.

"He would add depth in wide areas for Sunderland, who have largely lacked creativity this term, thus meaning that Phil Parkinson is still aiming to unlock his side's true potential.

"Overall, this is a pretty low risk signing for Sunderland, as McGinty would cost next to nothing for the Black Cats, and they would be acquiring a player who has room to develop as the years go by."

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Toby Wilding

“This is an interesting one.

“The fact that McGinty has previously been recruited by Rangers, and is now being watched by higher level clubs such as Bournemouth and Swansea, certainly suggests he has the potential to be a decent signing.

“However, McGinty’s current situation, which sees him without a club as things stand, does seem to raise some questions as to why a player with that sort of ability has not been snapped up already, something Sunderland could do to be wary of.

“Furthermore, while it does feel like they need an additional attacking outlet or two given their recent struggles going forward as they aim for promotion back to the Championship, that feels like it would be a lot of pressure to put on the 18-year-old McGinty were it to come immediately after a move to the Stadium of Light, meaning this would surely be on for the future rather than the present.”