Baring a miracle, Sunderland will be competing in the League One play-offs. There is a slim chance of automatic promotion; however, results and a large goal swing in their favour is required. With the play-offs now odds on, Sunderland should rest some of their players, one being Aiden McGeady.
Aiden McGeady Should Be Rested Ahead of League One Play-Offs
Broken Foot
Against Accrington Stanley at the beginning of April, McGeady went off injured at half-time. He missed the next two games, coming on as a substitute in the next. Although the effort and desire was there, it was obvious that the winger was not fit.
It has emerged recently that McGeady had broken a bone in his foot. He has trained very little, if at all. Since his return to first-team action, pain-killing injections have been used to keep Sunderland’s star man going.
He Could Miss Play-Offs
With automatic promotion now looking highly unlikely, attention turns to the dreaded play-offs. The Black Cats’ best chance is to have their best players as fit as possible. Aiden McGeady certainly fits into this category.
Should he play the final two games, there is always the chance that his foot injury could be damaged further. It is now common knowledge that the Republic of Ireland international has this injury. Being Sunderland’s main man, this could make him a target. If the worst was to happen and the injury is aggravated, he could miss the play-offs altogether.
A Fit McGeady is a Huge Advantage
There is no doubt that McGeady has been consistently the Black Cats’ main attacking threat this season. When fit, few in League One come close to matching his skill. He is also having his best season in front of goal. A fully fit Aiden McGeady can be unplayable for opposition defenders. He could, therefore, be the difference between Sunderland going up and staying in League One.
Jack Ross Has a Decision to Make
However unlikely, Sunderland can still be promoted automatically. Should they win their last two games and the three teams above them slip up, it is is possible. Jack Ross will want to win both games and see what happens elsewhere. Should he not play his strongest team, drop points and others slip up, it could be a decision he regrets. However, should Aiden McGeady, for example, be injured further and the Black Cats are confirmed in the playoffs, it is another decision Ross could regret.
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