7. George McCartney
John Walton/EMPICS SportThe Northern Ireland left-back, a product of Sunderlands youth system was one of the few players in the ranks genuinely up to the rigors of the Premier League during arguably the most tumultuous period in our clubs recent history. McCartney, a dynamic left full back in his early days grew into one of the best all-round defenders at the club in recent times. Not only could he defend but he could also burst forward with a decent turn of pace and a reasonable cross to add to Sunderlands armoury. His absence during the clubs return to the Premier League was without doubt the biggest blow to the clubs survival chances. Despite his injury record, when relegation once again hit, McCartney still had one or two admiring glances from Premier League sides, joining West Ham just before the Roy Keane revolution transforms our prospects. Injuries would continue to hamper the number of games McCartney would play for his new club. But when he was fit, undoubtedly he added another dimension to the Hammers defence. After securing our place in the Premier League, Roy Keane, unable to perhaps bring back his first choice full back in Julio Arca, turned to McCartney. But he overpaid for a player whose injuries had by now taken their toll. Second time around, McCartney was a shadow of the player Sunderland fans knew.