Leadbitter, Scowen or another? What Phil Parkinson said about replacing George Dobson in Sunderland's midfield

Parkinson has a vacancy in central midfield, with George Dobson suspended after being sent off in the closing stages of Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers last weekend.

Leadbitter and Scowen are the leading candidates to replace him, though both have missed parts of training this week.

“There’s nothing major to have to worry about [on the injury front],” Parkinson said.

"Grant Leadbitter had a slight dead leg earlier in the week.

“[Josh] Scowen has had a family bereavement and is down south as we speak.

“I'll speak to Josh later on today but we are hoping that he'll be available to play and that he will meet us down south tomorrow.”

Should he opt to pursue the 3-5-2 system he has used so far this season, Parkinson’s decision in midfield will have an impact on the make-up of his side.

Scowen was outstanding against Aston Villa U21s last week in an 8-1 win, but is not a natural fit for the holding role that Dobson played in the first two competitive games of the season.

Another option is to drop Power into that role, which he has played regularly under Parkinson but has moved away from in the opening games of the current campaign.

Dobson’s suspension could also mean greater opportunity for Lynden Gooch and Dan Neil, with the latter pushing to be included in the squad after an impressive pre-season campaign.

“It's just about getting the right players in the right positions,” Parkinson said.

“Max can play that holding role, Grant has obviously played that position for much of his career.

“Josh has played that role, but is probably more competing with Chris Maguire for that position on the right of the three in the system we've played so far this season.

“But he can cover a number of positions.

“It's just about weighing eveything up during the week and deciding how we want to approach the game, as well.

“It's good to have options, and whoever comes in will have a chance to stake a claim for the shirt.”

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