The Wearside-based club currently sit third in the League One table with 71 points and have positioned themselves to secure at least a playoff spot, with five games to go in the campaign.
With four goals and 13 assists to his name in the league, McGeady has been one of the standout performers for Lee Johnson’s side so far this season.
As Sunderland look likely to secure a playoff sport, former Black Cats star Elliott has stressed the need for the club to protect the 35-year-old in the rest of their league games, and he feels now is the perfect time to do so.
Elliott explained that McGeady has the ability to win games by himself and insisted that Sunderland should rest the winger ahead of the crucial playoff matches.
“He is 35 now and the worst thing that could happen to the team would be him picking up a knock or a strain in these next few games“, Elliott wrote in his Sunderland Echo column.
“He has exerted a lot of energy into the team with his performances this season and it could be a perfect time to recharge his batteries.
“He will be massively important in the playoff games, where more often than not they are close encounters.
“He possesses the ability, even by himself, of showing a bit of genius that could win a game.
“Maybe throwing somebody else into the team over these next few weeks could help them find a bit of form while McGeady rests up and gets himself right for playoffs.“
Sunderland will be hopeful that McGeady can continue his fine form and helps the club earn promotion this season.
