'Didn't expect that one!' Sunderland fans react as Phil Parkinson makes bold selection call at Bristol Rovers

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In come Antoine Semenyo and Josh Scowen with Lynden Gooch and George Dobson dropping to the bench, with Kyle Lafferty retaining his place up front for the Black Cats following his two goals in the 2-2 draw with Gillingham on Saturday.

Here’s the best of the fan reaction:

@adamhusband13 tweeted: “Didn’t expect that one...’

LGPhotography13 Lewis Graham Photography added: “GERRIN!! Some changes at last! Hopefully they can put in a good performance!”

@lincolnSAFC Rhys William tweeted: “Finally some changes cant wait to see semenyo show what hes about and scowen”

@MatthewReed89 Matthew Reed tweeted: “Well done, changes that have been needed for a few weeks.”

@Chipstead_Gas added: “3-0 away win, safe trip back home”

Meanwhile,

Phil Browell @phil_browell added: “No complaints there. Still wondering if Declan John is alive though.”

Joshua tweeted: ‘Fair play Parkiola’

Charlie Shanks added: “I’m gad to see Scowen in the team for once”

However not everyone was happy with the two changes made by Parkinson ahead of the long away game.

Jordan Ramsey added: “Semenyo starting for Gooch. Good. Ozturk starting. Bad. Dobson dropped. Absolutely ludicrous”

And Brad added: “Don’t understand why he’s dropped Dobson.”

Sunderland face Blackpool away on Saturday afternoon in League One ahead of a lengthy break from league action.