Danny Collins is of the view that Sunderland forward Nazariy Rusyn should start in the FA Cup against Newcastle United at the weekend.
The 25-year-old centre forward was brought in by Sunderland in the summer in the hope of strengthening their striker department, but Rusyn struggled to get going in a Black Cats shirt.
On New Year’s Day, Rusyn made his first start since November and scored his first Sunderland goal to help Michael Beale’s side secure a 2-0 win over Preston North End.
Next, the Black Cats are set to welcome local rival Newcastle United to the Stadium of Light in their FA Cup third-round fixture and Collins stressed that he sees no reason why Rusyn should not start the game against the Magpies.
The ex-Sunderland star also pointed out that goals bring confidence to a striker’s game and he is sure Beale will select Rusyn to lead the line against Newcastle at the Stadium of Light.
When asked whether Rusyn should start the game against Newcastle, Collins told Sunderland’s media: “Yes, I would. Why not?
“Keep him in there. Will more goals come now?
“Well, strikers just feed on confidence from putting the ball in the back of the net.
“So I am sure he will be out there next week, and it will be some atmosphere in here.
Sunderland are struggling in front of goal this season and Beale will be hoping that Rusyn can solve the Black Cats’ goalscoring problem.
