Alim Ozturk has made more appearances for Sunderland than Tom Flanagan so far this season.
Sunderland acquired the services of two excellent central defenders in Glenn Loovens and Jack Baldwin in the summer and the pair have struck up an impressive partnership.
Both players are no-nonsense defenders, wasting no time in getting rid of the ball when Sunderland find themselves defending opposition attacks.
But after both men have had injuries, manager Jack Ross will be assessing his options for cover and summer arrival Tom Flanagan has to be the man to get the nod if needed.
The Black Cats were forced into playing central defender Alim Ozturk alongside Baldwin for a run of two games after Loovens picked up a groin injury last month.
The Turkish defender failed to impress and was at fault for two goals in both League One and the Carabao Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday.
Therefore, it will be down to Flanagan, who joined from fellow relegated Championship side Burton Albion to fill the void if needs be, especially after impressing when coming off the bench against Fleetwood Town last weekend.
Ross has suggested that Baldwin may in fact not be fit for this weekend’s trip to the Pirelli to face Burton and Flanagan should be first-choice to replace the 25-year-old.
A first start of the season for Flanagan this weekend would mark a return to his old side, and the ball-playing central defender could be just what Sunderland need away from home when they come under expected pressure.
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