Phil Parkinson explains why he has kept faith with Denver Hume despite Declan John calls

Phil Parkinson insists that Denver Hume had earned the right to stay in the starting XI for the 2-2 draw with Gillingham.
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The Sunderland youngster has been a vital player since Parkinson took charge, but after a disappointing week there had been many calls for January signing Declan John to be given an opportunity.

John is yet to feature in a matchday squad since signing on deadline day and Hume repaid his manager’s faith with the assist that put his side in the lead.

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Kyle Lafferty had done superbly to meet the cross from the 21-year-old and should already have scored earlier in the second half when he turned another good cross from Hume wide of the near post.

Sunderland wing back Denver HumeSunderland wing back Denver Hume
Sunderland wing back Denver Hume

Despite criticism of his end product, Parkinson insists that a key issue for Sunderland has actually been forwards and midfielders capitalising on the delivery the wing-back has produced.

“Denver has been a massive threat for us,” Parkinson said.

“We looked at the stats and his crossing recently; it's right up there.

“Occasionally, the final ball is not as good as we want but he's getting better and that and today he has produced a moment of real quality with that delivery.

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“In recent games, he has put crosses into the box that have been top drawer and we haven't found the finish for them.

“I think he deserved to stay in the team.”Hume was ultimately substituted for the third match in succession, but bringing on a more naturally defensive player did not prove successful as the home side conceded in the 96th minute.