Summer signing Vito Mannone has made the most of Keiren Westwood's absence, starting the club's last 15 games since taking over from the Irishman.
Indeed, such has been the former Arsenal keeper's form for the Black Cats that Manchester United have been credited with an interest in signing him to provide back-up to David de Gea.
Coincidentally, reports of United's interest started to circulate as Sunderland were linked with a move for Millwall's David Forde, the man who has replaced Westwood as the Republic's number one, with former Coventry man's current contract due to expire during the summer.