Phil Parkinson's sacking has opened the door for a number of Black Cats players to stake their claim at the Stadium of Light.
None more so than Aiden McGeady who has spent the last few months out in the cold.
A falling out with Parkinson saw McGeady exiled and spent the tail end of last season on loan at Charlton Atheltic.
We've taken a look at some of the players who could benefit from more playing time after Parkinson's sacking.
Aiden McGeady
McGeady is the most obvious player that could be in line for a reintroduction to the Black Cats XI.
On his day, McGeady is a handful for any side in the division and could still feature for some Championship sides.
It's been a real shame to see a player oh his calibre not included in the matchday squad - especially given the lack of creativity from midfield in recent weeks.
One fan claimed that McGeady told them that he was registered to play in League One this season, but the club are yet to confirm this.
He made his comeback for the Under-23's in their 4-3 defeat against Crystal Palace a fortnight ago. He hasn't featured in their fixture against West Brom today, provoking rumours that he could feature in some form or another against Burton tomorrow evening.
He could prove the catalyst to kick starting Sunderland's season, if he's up to full speed after injuries.
Dion Sanderson
A strange inclusion in our list, Sanderson was brought in primarily as defensive cover but has only featured in a handful of games so far this season.
Given he started the majority of games for Cardiff last season during his loan spell there, it's been surprising to see him feature so little.
An impressive performance in an albeit poor game against Mansfield, wasn't enough to see him stake a claim under Parkinson.
He'll be hoping to impress a new manager - whoever that may be.
Elliot Embleton
Embleton has been on the fringes of the Sunderland squad for three years now an you get the feeling that it's now or never for the youngster.
Injuries have plagues his career at the Stadium of Light so far but the Durham born midfielder made his comeback against Mansfield Town.
He didn't get enough time off the bench to really affect the game on that occasion, but an impressive outing against Fleetwood bodes well for the 21-year-old.
Sunderland fans have long been calling for the midfielder to start, given the lack of creativity from central areas - could he now finally get his chance?
Dan Neil
Neil was linked with a move away from Wearside in the summer with rivals Newcastle United and Leeds United taking an interest in the midfielder.
The youngster had an impressive pre-season under Parkinson but has yet to feature for the first team in the league this season.
He'll be hoping to break through under whoever the new manager may be and try and assert himself on the first team.
