Former Sunderland captain Gary Bennett feels Wes Brown is key to the club's survival this season.
The presence of fit-gain Brown, 34, who was signed by Steve Bruce for £1million in July 2011, helped his side to a shock 1-0 win over Manchester City last week.
Former Sunderland skipper Bennett said: "Keeping Wes fit would be massive. They might have to wrap him in cotton wool and there could be certain games where he can't play. But it's certainly great to have him back.''
