Jack Ross has suggested that Luke O'Nien could be moved back to midfield next season after the arrival of Conor McLaughlin.
The Northern Ireland international right-back was Sunderland's first signing of the summer, arriving on a free transfer after being released by Millwall.
Adam Matthews was released by the Black Cats leaving Donald Love the only recognised right-sided full-back in the squad, although it was O'Nien, originally a midfielder, who made the position his own last term. Stepping in to cover injuries, O'Nien became first choice in the position.
But as Ross' side struggled with a link between midfield and attack as the season wore on, the clamour to see the former Wycombe Wanderers man revert back to his more natural midfield position.
And Ross has suggested that is on the cards for the season ahead.
Asked his thoughts on the signing of McLaughlin, Ross told the club website: "First and foremost, right-back was a very obvious position that we needed to have as a priority to fill in our squad, with Adam [Matthews] leaving.
"Luke [O'Nien] did a terrific job in that position last year, but we know he still has attributes to offer further up the park. He'll get the chance to show that during the pre-season period.
"That made right-back a priority position for us and he was available for free having left Millwall, he's a proven player at not just League One level, but Championship too and he obviously has international experience too.
"Then when you start doing your due diligence by speaking to people he's worked with, they were all very complimentary of both his character and as a player, so I think there are many positives to have Conor part of the group and he's settled quickly and also has a versatility in terms of the positions that he can play defensively and that will help us over the course of the season."
McLaughlin is one of just two signings the club have made so far this summer after a slow start to the transfer window.
The other addition has been goalkeeper Lee Burge, also arriving on a free, in his case from Coventry.
And Ross was keen to dispel any speculation that the new shot-stopper was arriving as a replacement for Jon McLaughlin, who has been linked to Millwall and Middlesbrough in the last week.
"Again, very much like Conor, goalkeeper was a priority position for us and one we had to fill very quickly because we only have Jon as a senior keeper on the books," Ross said.
"I want to push Anthony Patterson more this year also, who is part of the U23s and I think he has a great opportunity to have a really good career in the game and will be involved on a first team basis with us regularly.
"It's very easy to say we needed competition for Jon, but back-up for Jon is fairer and Lee understands that Jon was terrific last season and is very much first choice going forward.
"But we did need support for him and some competition also - someone who will train properly everyday and provide that competition, but equally bring a quality to training.
"So I was pleased to get Lee on board and pleased with how he's settled at the club."
