HE might have spent a significant portion of the season playing at wing-back, but Lee Johnson sees Lynden Gooch’s Sunderland future as an attacking midfielder looking to force his way into the opposition’s 18-yard box.

Like a number of his team-mates, Gooch has been stationed in a number of different positions this season, and while his versatility can sometimes work in favour, there will surely come a time when he has to carve out a more clearly-defined role.

Johnson’s opportunity to work with him has been limited by injury and illness, but from what he has seen, he regards the US international as more of an attacking asset than a defensive one.

“When I look at Lynden, I see him as a nine-and-a-half, someone who can drop centrally into those deeper areas but that also has the mobility to run in behind,” said the Sunderland head coach. “He’s definitely got that.

“I think his composure, which we’ve talked about, could do with an element of improvement, but technically, physically and in terms of charisma, he’s got all of that to be successful at this level.

“He’s a tough little cookie who wants to battle and bite, and I like that. He’s quick to react, which is a prerequisite to play in my team, and he’s got a lot of strengths.

“He can also play in a number of other positions, which just means more game time for him, and he always shows a good attitude in whatever position he plays. I think his ceiling is higher in those central areas, from what I’ve seen, but of course I’ll reserve the right to change that depending on what goes on.”

Having been a second-half substitute in Tuesday’s win at Ipswich, Gooch is pushing for a starting spot against Gillingham tomorrow afternoon.

Bailey Wright is a doubt after suffering concussion at Portman Road, and Tom Flanagan is also unlikely to feature despite having returned to light training.

Sunderland (probable, 4-3-3): Burge; Power, Willis, Sanderson, McFadzean; Scowen, Leadbitter, Embleton; O’Brien, Wyke, McGeady.