Kevin Phillips believes Luke O'Nien's return from injury will be a "big boost" ahead of the second half of the season.
O'Nien has missed a large part of the campaign with a recurring shoulder injury, but is in line to return sooner than expected.
Speaking to the media last week, Sunderland boss Lee Johnson said: “If you listen to Luke, he wants to come back quicker than anyone ever has from an injury like his, and I wouldn’t put it past him.
“He’ll have laser focus on his rehab.”
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Sunderland are joint top of League One following a win over Portsmouth at the weekend, but Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United both have games in hand.
Nonetheless, the Black Cats will be boosted by the return of injured players and have already brought in the likes of Trai Hume, Danny Batth and Patrick Roberts to bolster their ranks.
“It’s great to hear that," Phillips told Football Insider on O'Nien's injury update.
“It will be a big boost when he’s back. To get back a player of his versatility ahead of the business stage of the season will be fantastic.
“He’s a good lad to have around the squad day in and day out. I have always spoke very highly of him. To get him back would be a great boost for Lee both on and off the pitch.
“He will have a major role to play between now and the end of the season.”
