Alan Hutton believes that Sunderland are a 'sleeping giant' and says they have a 'good chance' of finishing in the Championship play-offs this season.
Sunderland's back-to-back defeats against Blackburn Rovers and Burnley respectively have seen them plummet into 14th place. Although the Black Cats are just three points clear of the relegation zone, they're also only six points adrift of a Championship play-off slot.
Hutton, who played 11 times for the Black Cats during a loan spell in 2011, admits that it was a blow to lose Alex Neil, but claims supporters will still be expecting a promotion challenge.
"Great club, [I] loved my time there," Hutton told cheekypunter.com. "One of the things I did notice was the Stadium of Light is full again and when that happens it's an unbelievable atmosphere.
READ MORE: Sunderland's Trai Hume determined to stake his claim for a starting place in Lynden Gooch's absence
"It's like a sleeping giant with the training ground and the stadium. It was difficult with Alex Neil leaving and Tony Mowbray coming in, and the expectations will be to get promoted.
"I know it was a tough result at the weekend [against Burnley] but I still think they have a good chance of making the play-offs."
Sunderland have won three of their first 10 matches under Mowbray (D3, L4) and will be looking to end a run of three games without a win on the road with a difficult trip to Luton Town on the weekend.
The Black Cats will sign off for the six-week break ahead of the World Cup with the visit of Cardiff City and trips to Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City respectively.
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