Carl Winchester insists he will 'do anything' and 'play anywhere' to help Sunderland achieve promotion. Winchester has been one of the Black Cats' stand-out players in his first full season at the club, and has demonstrated that Luke O'Nien is not the only player in the squad capable of fulfilling multiple roles.
The Northern Irishman joined from League Two Forest Green Rovers in January last year as a midfielder, but this term he has played the majority of his football at right-back, occasionally at right wingback, and most recently under new boss Alex Neil as a right-sided centre-back. That kind of flexibility is highly prized by managers and coaches, allowing them to make changes to shape and system from game-to-game with fewer personnel changes, and also on the fly during games without needing to bring on specialist substitutes.
For Winchester, it has meant he has been one of the first names on the teamsheet with his 38 league starts bettered only by the ever-present Ross Stewart. "It's been quite a season for me, to play as many games as I have for a club like this," said Winchester.
READ MORE: Alex Neil has 'complete clarity' on what Sunderland must do this summer
"As long as I'm playing, I'm happy. If the manager wants to me to play at left back, no problem. If he wants me to go in goal, I'll do a job.
"I'll do anything to try and get this team promoted. I've really enjoyed the [right-sided centre-back] role to be fair, when the gaffer came in he just said that he felt I could cover the ground well, get up the pitch well, step in [with the ball] and join in the play which he likes.
"I've enjoyed it, but he knows I'll play anywhere for him. He's been brilliant, he's just one of those managers that takes no [nonsense]. He's shown me a lot of stuff in terms of clips from games, always trying to improve me and help my game."
Winchester turned 29 earlier this month but, in a career that has previously included spells at Oldham, Cheltenham, and Forest Green, he has yet to experience promotion - and that is something he would love to put right this term, as Sunderland look to secure a place in the play-offs in the final three games of the campaign, and ultimately to return to the Championship after a four-season absence. He said: "I'm just buzzing to be here and to win a promotion here, it's my number one dream really.
"I don't see why we can't, we've got a good squad, we've on a good run, we're all on board. Hopefully we can have that strong end to the season."
Sunderland fans knew little, if anything, about Winchester when he became former boss Lee Johnson's first signing 15 months ago, but he has gone on to become a popular figure on Wearside following his consistent performances this season. And for his part, Winchester is enjoying playing in front of passionate crowds of 30,000-plus.
He said: "Friends, people back home, no one can believe I'm playing for a club like Sunderland. You have to pinch yourself really. Coming from where I have, I so appreciate the opportunity.
"The fans have been unbelievable, it's their life, what they love. You get the chance to go out there and for 90 minutes, you have that opportunity to send them home happy. They might have had a tough week or whatever but for 90 minutes they forget about that, and you can make them happy.
"That's an unbelievable feeling."
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
