Phil Parkinson reveals lengths Charlie Wyke went to in order to feature for Sunderland in win over Lincoln City

Phil Parkinson has revealed Charlie Wyke climbed off his sickbed to help spearhead Sunderland’s attack in the convincing 3-1 victory over Lincoln City.
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The game was the only League One fixture given it was FA Cup weekend elsewhere and the three points saw Sunderland climb to ninth and now just a point off the play-off places with a game in hand.

Sunderland are unbeaten over the festive period with their unbeaten run now extending to five games with the Black Cats picking up eight points from 12 over this period.

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Several members of the squad had been battling illness, including Wyke.

Charlie Wyke in action for Sunderland in the win over Lincoln City.Charlie Wyke in action for Sunderland in the win over Lincoln City.
Charlie Wyke in action for Sunderland in the win over Lincoln City.

Parkinson said: “He was struggling yesterday, he stayed in a hotel last night, didn’t go back home because his wife and youngster were ill.

“Charlie has a really strong character, he came in and was determined to put himself out there. You need that mentality and strength of character. All of them that played have a couple of days off now.

“That is important, that we use this week to regroup and get ready for a terrific game next Saturday.

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“We go into it with real confidence and it is another important week for us on the training ground, getting the balance right and refresh the group physically and mentally and we go again.

“It is that momentum now for us. We are not getting too carried away, you can sense the real confidence and the togetherness.”

Parkinson has kept faith with a core of players over the festive period and made just one enforced change for the visit of Lincoln City, Joel Lynch unable to play because of illness.

Parkinson added: “He was ill as well, we had a lot of illness in the camp. A few of the lads, some of the lads on the bench who had seen the doctor on Friday.

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“Joel was the worst and he worsened overnight. We had no hesitation putting Tom in and we are pleased he got his goal. He got his rewards.”

Sunderland host Wycombe Wanderers at the Stadium of Light next week, with the Black Cats enjoying a free midweek after a busy run of games.