EFL on Quest pundits have hailed Kyle Lafferty's 'perfect' first start for Sunderland, despite their disappointing collapse against Gillingham on Saturday.
The Northern Ireland international forward joined the club on a free transfer in January from Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08 and has made nine appearances from the bench.
But after Charlie Wyke was ruled out with a slight injury, Phil Parkinson turned to the 32-year-old to lead the line at the Stadium of Light.
And the former Rangers, Palermo and Norwich forward did not disappoint, scoring twice to give the Black Cats a 2-1 lead over the Gills.
But a late strike from former Sunderland forward Mikael Mandron snatched away a vital three points as Parkinson's side fell to fifth place in the League One table.
Nonetheless, in a season where forwards have struggled for goals on a regular basis, Lafferty's two-goal haul was a welcome boost heading into the final nine games of the season.
And when analysing the game for EFL on Quest, Sam Parkin and former Cardiff, QPR, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Leeds boss Neil Warnock were full of praise for Lafferty despite the disappointment of the draw.
"It was a perfect start for him in terms of starting games," Parkin said.
"He has looked good coming off the bench and deserved his opportunity in the absence of Wyke.
"But being in a winning position they would have been bitterly disappointed to be pegged back.
"They have stuttered and it is just two points from a possible nine now."
Warnock added: "That feels like you have lost a game when you go in.
"You are so gutted. You feel so down but all credit to them, they kept going, Gillingham, didn't they?"
