Outstanding for Sunderland this term, defender Chris Mepham and has been described as “sensational” by former Black Cats striker Don Goodman. The AFC Bournemouth loanee had to wait to get his chance in the early part of the campaign when Dan Ballard and Luke O’Nien were in situ.

But having got into the side he hasn’t looked back and must be one of the first names on the team-sheet these days given his imperious displays at the heart of the Black Cats’ defence. The centre-back arrived at the Stadium of Light on a temporary agreement from Bournemouth last summer, and has established himself as a key member of Regis Le Bris’ side in the months since.

He has made 20 Championship appearances in the North East so far and has contributed to a defensive unit that have conceded just 22 goals thus far. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, pundit and EFL expert Goodman was quick to praise Mepham, while also hinting at the recruitment that he believes his former club need to make if they are to push on towards the Premier League over the coming months.

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He said: “Sunderland are the surprise package. You can’t fail but be impressed by them – how they play and how they compete. They have the youngest side in the league, but they also added a bit of experience over the summer. Chris Mepham in particular has been sensational. Even Wilson Isidor is 24.

“They’ve conceded 22 goals so far and that is typically a promotion-winning defensive record at this stage. But with what Burnley are doing this is not a typical season. I’m pretty sure if Regis Le Bris was allowed to add more bodies that would certainly help them in their quest.”