Sunderland AFC face the tough task of replacing Black Cats main-stay Aiden McGeady, after releasing the veteran winger last month.

Despite struggling with a knee injury in the season just gone, McGeady still managed to make 14 appearances for Alex Neil’s side, chipping in with a healthy seven returns in the form of three goals and four assists.

Whilst he did not directly contribute to the Black Cats’ play-off success on the pitch, his experience in and around the dressing room would surely have helped the side to pull off such a feat.

McGeady has been there through thick and thin with Sunderland, joining them in the Championship and staying with them as they sunk to the third tier of English football.

Sunderland could surely make use of an experienced and clinical midfielder in what could be a tough survival campaign in the Championship this season.

And they can find that experience in the soon-to-be free-agent Robbie Brady, who joined Bournemouth ahead of the second half of last season, with rumours around a potential move to Sunderland growing, as per TEAMtalk.

The 57-cap Ireland international only made six Championship appearances due to injury though, with Scott Parker stating this last year via the Bournemouth Echo:

“Robbie has been probably one of the most frustrated out of everyone really. It’s been very stop-start. It’s been niggly for Rob, so he’s pleased to be back.

“We need to try and keep him back now, keep him ticking along, because he’s got big quality, big experience as well and he could help us for the run-in.”

Brady, who has scored "cracking free-kick", offers a greater level of versatility, being able to occupy both advanced and defensive positions along the flanks, and if he can stay fit, could bolster Neil's side having been a first-team Premier League player just two seasons ago.

Available on a free, Brady is worth a gamble from the perspective of the Sunderland boss and could offer a similar presence to club veteran McGeady.

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