Charlie Wyke on his Sunderland comeback, Phil Parkinson and 'frustration' after Gillingham defeat

Wyke’s season has been severely impacted by injury, just as it was last time out following his arrival on Wearside.

Now recovered from an ankle ligament problem, Wyke thought he had netted the winner at Gillingham just minutes into his return.

The goal was disallowed and the home side went on to snatch a late winner, raising the pressure on manager Phil Parkinson.

A frustrated Wyke said the players are behind the Black Cats boss.

"Of course we're behind Phil. All we want to do is play well and get the results,” Wyke said.

"It's not happening for us at the minute, but we've just got to work hard and try and put things right.

"Everyone is behind each other, we're still a team and we've got to work hard to try and put things right.

"We're not playing well, and being from the North East I know how much it means to the fans.

"I completely understand their frustrations. We feel that way too, but we've just got to work hard and bounce back."

Wyke is contention to start for a crunch clash against Blackpool next weekend, and says he thinks he can thrive in Parkinson’s style.

"I feel good. I've had seven weeks out so there's a bit of fitness to catch up on, but I just feel so frustrated right now," he said.

"This probably sums my Sunderland career up at the minute.

"I come on and think I played okay. I put myself about and should have grabbed a goal, but it was disallowed, so very frustrated.

"It's a huge confidence boost to hear Phil speak of me so highly,” he added.

"All I want to do is do well for the fans, myself, the team, and the manager.

"So I want to get my fitness up, get back in the team and, hopefully, start scoring goals.

"Phil's quite big on getting the ball wide and getting the ball in the box, which will hopefully suit me when I'm back playing fully. I'm looking forward to it.