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Connor Wickham may be given his chance to solve Sunderland's goalscoring woes when the Black cats travel to Liverpool this week.
The youngster was recalled from a loan spell at Leeds - where he has mostly been playing in the left wing position similar to that which the ineligible Fabio Borini has been filling this season - but it appears the move is not simply to provide cover.
Gus Poyet told reporters:
We've been trying different things, different situations.
Fabio is not available tomorrow, so I'm going to keep trying different things. Connor is an option.
I can't keep closing my eyes, keep picking the team until the end of the season and think why didn't I try that.
It's my job to keep searching for the solution and then you know you've done everything.
Is it a move born of sheer desperation or is there some genuine contribution that Wickham can make here? I'll be honest and say I haven't got a clue.
For all Wickham is a player who prompts more opinion than most - and often stronger opinion than most - I think he remains a near-total mystery to us. How much can you learn about a player who has never been granted a sustained run in the side?
I know that circumstances have made it difficult to blood youngsters. It's tough to have principles and long-term goals when the short-term is so perilous. Wickham probably hasn't done himself any favours either with his attitude.
But there is going to come a time when a Sunderland manager, any Sunderland manager, has to properly commit to the potential that Wickham has. Of course, if he comes in, makes an instant impact and bangs in a couple of goals, that would make it a lot easier!
