Former Crystal Palace and Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has praised Phil Parkinson's handling of Aiden McGeady at Sunderland.
Parkinson placed McGeady up for sale in December amid talk of unrest on the Sunderland training ground. He later confirmed the decision was taken after a combination of on-field and off-field incidents.
After initially labouring to two draws in the Republic of Ireland international's absence, the Black Cats are back in promotion contention after an eight match unbeaten run.
And Holloway, who now manages League Two side Grimsby, feels Parkinson's decision has been vindicated.
"It is about standards and the manager has to set the standards," Holloway told EFL on Quest.
"If anyone, no matter if he has the most skill and is the best player, if he isn't going to use it correctly then the manager is not going to put up with it.
"Sometimes that is where you earn your money and Phil, if you look at his results, there can be no argument.
"That young lad is a fantastic player so my question to him is 'what the hell are you doing?'"
Former Barnsley, Leeds and Hibernian manager Paul Heckingbottom was also a guest on the show and he agreed that Parkinson's handling of the situation should be commended.
"You get paid to make those big calls and people are quick to jump on you if you get them wrong so let's give Phil the credit he deserves," he added.
"For me he has got it right if you look at his results since. He is trying to mould the team to play and represent the values he believes in. If he thinks he has made the right call then you have to back him."
