Phil Parkinson explains how summer signing Aiden O'Brien will fit into his Sunderland side

After signing the Republic of Ireland international, Parkinson said that he offered a different threat to his other forwards, particular with his running in behind defenders and his ability to stretch the play.

Speaking to the club’s official podcast, #SAFCUnfiltered, Parkinson outlined how he felt he would be able to play a number of roles in the shape and system he favoured on Wearside last season.

“Aiden is a player who can play up top or in behind the striker,” he said.

“The system we played last season, the 3-4-3, he can play in one of those number ten roles where Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire played.

“He gives us a lot of options, he's a versatile attacking player.

“At Millwall he played quite often on the left of a 4-4-2, but sees himself more as a striker.

“Even from that position, he always chipped in with goals and in the year they won promotion from League One he got a good tally, all from open play.

“I think he's a player who is ready for another challenge, he's eager for a fresh start and we've been really pleased with him so far in the first days [of training].”

Parkinson also said that the return of Bailey Wright would offer some key leadership to his squad.

The popular defender returned to training last week following a period of quarantine.

Wright had been on holiday abroad prior to signing a two-year deal with the Black Cats.

“Bailey is a very good player but he's also a character and offers very good leadership qualities,” Parkinson said.

“That's so important.

“He's a good role model in and around the training ground, who has captained teams before at Championship level.

“Managers are always saying they need more leaders, those types are hard to find and Bailey fits firmly into that category.

“He's going to be a key player for us.”