Steve Howey has exclusively told Football FanCast that Aiden McGeady can be the difference-maker for Sunderland next season.

The 35-year-old was left out in the cold by former manager Phil Parkinson during the first half of the 2020-2021 season.

However, following the appointment of Lee Johnson just before Christmas, McGeady immediately came back into the side and produced some outstanding numbers to help the Black Cats reach the top-six.

In just 35 appearances in all competitions, McGeady scored six times and added an impressive 17 assists.

Despite turning 36 in April, McGeady was rewarded with a 12-month contract last month to extend his stay at the Stadium of Light into a fifth campaign.

Three of the previous four have been at League One level as Sunderland look to end their painful stay in the third-tier and get back into the Championship.

Following McGeady's contract extension, ex-Newcastle midfielder Howey was asked whether the experienced attacker can lead Sunderland to League One glory next season.

He told FFC:

"At that level, he stands out. But what Sunderland must do is not draw as many games.

"I think it was 16 or 17 games last season. If you lose half of them and win half of them, you go up as champions, easily."