Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips says Black Cats goalkeeper Lee Burge has earned the chance of a new deal at the club.
Former Coventry City shot-stopper Burge is one of a number of players whose current contract runs out at the end of the season.
Burge has faced competition from Remi Matthews for a first-team place this season, but has become the regular No 1 under Lee Johnson, and has been a key part in a Black Cats defence which has conceded just one goal in the last six games.
He made some big saves at Wembley to help Sunderland win the Papa John's Trophy, and Phillips feels he has done enough to warrant a new deal at the club, no matter which division they are playing in next season.
“I think the club will reward him with a new contract," he told Football Insider. "I think he deserves the opportunity to be their number one next season, whether that be in the Championship or League One.
“Yes, he has made a couple of mistakes but name me a goalkeeper in English football who has not made a mistake this season.
“He has been more consistent of late and when I have seen him recently he has pulled off some brilliant saves.
“I think he deserves a crack at the Championship next year if they get promoted.”
Burge is expected to continue in goal for this weekend's League One clash at Bristol Rovers and, presuming he keeps his place for the remainder of the season, would make 44 appearances for the Black Cats this term.,
Remarkably, he saved two penalties in the win over Doncaster in February - and has conceded just three times since then.
