The player struggled to make a Hibs impact but has used time at Easter Road to make himself a Sunderland difference maker.
Hearts and Hibs men of the past have been touted as top candidates for the vacant job at the Premiership rival.
More from us
Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.
