Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane travels to Anfield tomorrow enjoying a new lease of life since the arrival of Howard Wilkinson at the Stadium of Light.
The winger struggled to win over Sunderland fans during former manager Peter Reid's reign and his future at the club seemed in doubt after a two-finger gesture to supporters in a pre-season friendly.
He was in and out of the side until the appointment of Wilkinson and former Stoke City boss Steve Cotterill but has flourished under the new management duo's policy.
The transformation has included the former Preston and West Brom player0 switching to a central midfield role for the last two matches and he is expected to continue in the unfamiliar position for the tough test against the Premiership leaders.
"It's been very enjoyable working under the new regime," said Kilbane. "Everybody is in the same boat, including the lads who have been out of the team for a long time and have not had a chance.
"It's been very good playing for Howard Wilkinson. You know your job and players in every position know what they have to do so that's very pleasing.
"I've not played in central midfield for a very long time, in fact not since I was at Preston and certainly not at this level. I played there against Charlton and then against Tottenham last weekend because we've got one or two players out injured.
"I have always considered myself to be a left-sided winger but the manager might have a different opinion as to where he sees my best position, and that's not just with me. He has moved Michael Gray from left-back to the left side of midfield but the thing is we are enjoying it."
Kilbane is slowly but surely winning over his critics and he is included in the Republic of Ireland's squad for next week's friendly international in Greece.
"The staff had said to me that they have noticed the crowd's different attitude towards me but I try not to let it affect me," he said.
"I just try and get on with my game and that's all I have ever tried to do. At the moment I can't ask for any more, I'm enjoying myself in games and the training has been brilliant.
"I think we are taking that into games but it's going to be tough at Anfield. Confidence is high but we can't get too carried away.
"We have to try and keep our feet on the ground, but we are moving in the right direction slowly but surely and hopefully we can continue that."
Meanwhile Wilkinson has refused to comment on reports linking him with a move for Mart Poom of Derby County to ease a potential goalkeeper crisis following injuries to Thomas Sorensen and Thomas Myhre.
PA