Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini has claimed that the Black Cats must improve their strike force if Martin O'Neill is to save the club's season.
Steve Bruce was sacked last Wednesday with the club languishing just above the relegation zone in 16th position in the Premier League.
O'Neill has been trusted as the man to steer the club from safety, but Gabbiadini believes that the 59-year-old must address their attacking deficiencies as a matter of urgency.
"There have been issues with the squad from the start of the season. We've made a few mistakes in the transfer market, especially with strikers. We've let too many good players leave the club," said Gabbiadini.
"Asamoah Gyan, Darren Bent, Kenwyne Jones and Danny Welbeck have all left the club. We've lost all those good players and brought in two young lads, and Nicklas Bendtner."
Sunderland host Blackburn in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, knowing that a loss would see them drop into the relegation zone.
