With the Black Cats’ goalkeeping problems ongoing, fans have been impressed by the club’s under-23 number one.
Even in the under-23s, Sunderland fans have been left with little to cling to following a Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Newcastle United.
There was one standout performer as the Black Cats lost to their bitter rivals, though, with goalkeeper Max Stryjek turning in an excellent performance.
The 21-year-old saved a penalty from Callum Roberts in extra-time, before making another stop in the shoot-out and then dispatching a penalty himself.
And the watching Sunderland fans were quick to call for Stryjek to be given his chance at first team level as Chris Coleman searches for inspiration in their Championship survival bid in the closing weeks of the season.
The chances of Stryjek appearing in the first team are not as unlikely as it may first seem, with Coleman still yet to really settle on a first-choice goalkeeper.
Robbin Ruiter, Jason Steele and Lee Camp have each been dropped at least once this season, having failed to impress, costing Sunderland points on a regular basis.
Coleman certainly appears to have the backing of the fans if he is to consider the former Poland youth international.
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