Andrew Taylor gives Sunderland fitness update and has this message for squad

Taylor is in temporary charge while the club searches for a replacement for Phil Parkinson, who left on Sunday.

The 34-year-old played under Parkinson at Bolton Wanderers, and his appointment at Sunderland was his first coaching role.

Supporters are eagerly awaiting updates on both the search for a new manager, and the pending takeover of the club.

Gus Poyet and Danny Cowley are currently the favourites with the bookmakers for the role, while a consortium led by Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus are believed to be on the brink of assuming the majority shareholder status from Stewart Donald.

A crucial run of fixtures in the race for promotion awaits and Taylor has urged his side to focus on those contests.

Burton Albion have been struggling in the league this season following the departure of Nigel Clough, but sealed an impressive win against Charlton Athletic last week.

“It’s always a big change for players when a manager leaves because it brings about a lot of uncertainty, but lads have been brilliant,” Taylor told safc.com,

“They were great in training on Monday morning and ahead of the game, the message from us has been simple – we want them to go out and express themselves, play with freedom.

“The bottom line is that we’re still in a very good position in the league and we’re still within touching distance of the top two.

“I said to the lads this morning that football moves fast, so we haven’t got time to feel sorry for ourselves or to let the emotions of what’s happened affect us.

“Whether I’m here or not, the end goal for this squad this season has to be promotion and that will not change.

“December is a big month for us and there is a lot of football to be played, starting with two big home games that we will aim to take six points from.”

Taylor has confirmed that he will be selecting from the same squad that drew 1-1 with Fleetwood Town in Parkinson’s last game on Friday night.

Lynden Gooch and Jordan Willis are both closing in on a return, but the visit of Jake Buxton’s side will come too soon.

“Lynden and Jordan are both still out, but they aren’t too far off returning,” Taylor said.

“Jordan was out doing a lot of running today, so hopefully he will be available for selection in the next week or so.

"Josh Scowen has a black eye from Friday evening, but he’ll be ready.

“Aiden [O’Brien] should be okay as well, but he picked up a slight knock in training yesterday and we’ll assess him in the morning.

“As it stands, it looks like we’ll be able to pick from the same group of players that were available against Fleetwood Town.”

Burton boss Buxton has an almost full squad to pick from, with only striker Kane Hemmings expected to be absent as they travel to the Stadium of Light.

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