Phil Parkinson explains his 'tough' Tom Flanagan decision at Sunderland

Phil Parkinson admits it was a tough call to leave Tom Flanagan out of the squad for the draw with Doncaster Rovers with new signing Bailey Wright taking his place on the bench.
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The centre-back, signed on loan from Bristol City for the rest of the season, can play in all three positions across the back three and got the nod ahead of Flanagan.

Flanagan had to make do with a seat in the stands, the defender sat alongside Will Grigg and Ethan Robson, who also both missed out.

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Asked about Flanagan’s absence, Parkinson said: “I went for Bailey Wright on the bench, Bailey can cover all three positions across the back. It is always a tough call.

“You can only pick 18 players, sometimes you have to make those decisions.”

Grigg has now been missing from the matchday squad for two games having missed the MK Dons game too.