Sunderland boss outlines his stance on Jack Baldwin after frustrating start to loan spell

Baldwin moved to the League Two club on deadline day earlier this season after Jack Ross informed him that he no longer was part of his plans at first-team level, though he did make one very impressive appearance against Burnley in the Carabao Cup.

He has since endured terrible luck with injury, keeping him out of action for the majority of his time with Graham Alexander’s side.

He did make his first team appearance in nearly two months this week, however, playing in a leasing.com win over Port Vale.

Parkinson has also recently moved to a system with three centre-backs, but that has not changed his plans with regards to the 26-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer.

“I spoke to Jack last week and I said that at the moment, with Jordan, Alim, Tom Flanagan, Joel Lynch, Conor McLaughlin can play on the right of a three as well,” Parkinson said.

“So I said that I don’t think bringing him back would be beneficial for us.

“Obviously he’s got to force his way into Salford’s team, and he’s had a difficult period with injury since he’s been there.

“That’s not been ideal for him, the loan hasn’t gone how he wanted, but at the moment I don’t want to bring him back unless he’s going to be part of our squad.”

Parkinson could strengthen his defensive options further this month, and has made a move for Bristol City defender Bailey Wright.