Former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips has called on Phil Parkinson to hand Lynden Gooch a start against Peterborough this coming weekend.

The Black Cats have started the 2020/21 season in superb form having bounced back from an opening day draw with Bristol Rovers to beat Oxford United 2-0 last weekend.

Meeting potential promotion rivals Peterborough this coming weekend, the Wearsiders could make it seven points out of nine, but one question mark continues to linger on Parkinson's starting eleven.

And, Phillips has now addressed who he thinks should start in the lone strike role.

Despite having the likes of Will Grigg, Charlie Wyke and the experienced Danny Graham in his ranks, Phillips has now called on Parkinson to hand Gooch a chance after the £540k-valued ace came off the bench to score last weekend.

“Gooch has to start against Peterborough,” he told Football Insider.

“Parky needed a result and he got a great result down there. It was a big boost for everyone concerned. It takes the pressure off. “Gooch was asked to make an impact and stake a claim for the next game. He was fantastic – he did all you can ask for. Generally, when that happens the player starts the next game. “They could push Aiden O’Brien up top and then bring Gooch in for Graham. Gooch carries attacking threat with his offensive style. O’Brien has started out wide so far but it has not quite worked, so he might look to change it. “Yes, they got the win at the weekend but it has taken Gooch to come off the bench to do that. That slight tweak might need to be made. Stick O’Brien up top. They need to find room for Gooch.” Gooch thus far has 126 appearances for Sunderland to his name, netting 20 goals and gaining 17 assists in the process.

Why not? Grigg has not worked, Wyke has not worked and Graham has plenty of work to do before he finds full fitness and potential form.

Whilst it may not be normal to play without a proven striker, Gooch can link up well with Chris Maguire and Aiden O'Brien in what would look like a superb attack to take on the Posh.

Do you think Gooch should start over Danny Graham? Let us know in the comments section below...