Even Joey Barton could not inspire Burnley as they played out an FA Cup third round stalemate at Sunderland.
The controversial 34-year-old midfielder was handed a second debut for the Clarets almost four months after his last appearance for Rangers in the 5-1 Old Firm derby defeat at Celtic, which prompted a training ground bust-up and ultimately his exit from the club.
But the Premier League rivals were unable to find a goal between them as a crowd of just 17,632 at the Stadium of Light watched them slug out a 0-0 draw.
Black Cats boss David Moyes was at least able to reflect upon a better performance than the one he got in the league against the same opposition at Turf Moor seven days ago when his side was trounced 4-1.