Phil Parkinson explains his plans for Ethan Robson and why he is being considered for Sunderland selection

Robson returned to the club on Tuesday after making a big impression in League Two, with Ian Holloway providing a glowing reference to Parkinson.

Parkinson has yet to make a decision on whether he will leave again on loan this month, but is understood to have been impressed with the 23-year-old and will continue to assess him in the next couple of weeks.

“So far in training, he’s done really well,” Parkinson said.

“We’ll assess that situation over the next couple of weeks because I don’t want to bring him back if I don’t believe that we’re going to play him.

“But he’s got qualities and he’s come back with a glowing reference from the people at Grimsby.”

Parkinson also confirmed that he will consider Robson for a place in the matchday squad in the interim period.

Players can only appear for two clubs in one season, so any decision to involve him would have to be made carefully.

However, the departure of Dylan McGeouch to Aberdeen this week has reduced the manager’s options in midfield and should he be required, it would crucially not prevent a potential return to Grimsby.

Holloway has already confirmed that he would be open to that development.

“He could still go back to Grimsby [if we play him], that option would be there,” Parkinson said.

“So we’ll consider him if needed. We’ve only had this week to look at him, obviously I’ve watched back a lot of his games and I spoke to Ian Holloway at the weekend.”

Should Robson leave the club on loan again, then Parkinson will move back into the transfer market to strengthen

“The key to this window for me is that to make sure that we’re strong and have got cover in all departments,” he said.

“That’s got to be the key. If Ethan was to go back to Grimsby, that would leave that department too light for my liking.”