Sunderland’s struggles continue but the 22-year-old could grow into a vital player for them.
Sunderland’s poor season went from bad to worse this week as they could only draw 3-3 with Bolton Wanderers, sacking manager Simon Grayson shortly afterwards. But one player who impressed against the Trotters could have a major role to play at the Stadium of Light for years to come.
Paddy McNair has barely featured in the current campaign due to injury. However he came off the bench for the last two matches and scored a late equaliser for Sunderland on Tuesday to rescue a point for his team.
Still only 22, McNair possesses the innate ability and the leadership qualities to be a future Black Cats captain and it will be interesting to see how Grayson’s eventual replacement utilises the Northern Ireland international.
While the short term will be all about getting McNair back to full fitness, in time he could well have more responsibility thrust on his young shoulders, and he has the mentality to embrace it and improve accordingly.
Very highly rated at his former club Manchester United, Sunderland fans are yet to see the best of McNair, but the defender-cum-midfielder will be a vital part of their hopeful climb up the table in the months ahead.
In time, do not be surprised if McNair is handed the captain’s armband on a permanent basis, as one of the few current crop with the fight required to justify that responsibility.
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