Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is challenging Ricky Alvarez and Jack Rodwell to prove their quality in the FA Cup replay with Fulham.
Both are set to start at Craven Cottage with an away trip to Bradford City awaiting the winners.
Poyet said: "It is not quite working for Jack at the moment, but he will be better. He needs to come back on Tuesday and be really strong. It is up to him, but he needs time.'
Of Argentina international Alvarez, Poyet added: "Ricky needs to play. This is a big opportunity for him and the longer he can play, the better.
"He's never really had the chance to have a run of games and really perform. He can refresh us a bit and give us a little bit of quality.
"He has incredible quality. He should make a difference. We need to make sure he's an important player for us."
