Phil Parkinson gives Charlie Wyke update ahead of big Sunderland selection calls

Wyke’s run of starting 16 consecutive League One games came to an end at the weekend, with Kyle Lafferty taking the opportunity to score twice on his full debut against Gillingham.

Parkinson revealed after the game that Wyke could have battled through the contest as he managed a back problem that has troubled him of late.

However, the Black Cats boss opted to get the striker treatment last Thursday to get him back to full fitness.

He has since trained with no issues and so is contention to make his return against Bristol Rovers.

Lafferty’s brace means the Sunderland boss could then be forced into a big decision as to which forwards he names on the substitutes bench.

Parkinson was left hugely frustrated with his side’s defending on Saturday but urged them to quickly make amends.

“Charlie trained on Monday, he's fine and he'll be available tonight,” Parkinson said.

“Leaving him out at the weekend was more a precautionary thing, really.

“He had an injection on Thursday but has trained since without suffering a reaction so he's fine.

“Everyone who played at the weekend is OK.

“We'll assess it and decide what, if any, changes we make before the game.”

Parkinson also praised Lafferty for showing his support to long-serving and hugely popular club kitman John Cooke.

Lafferty had headed straight to the dug-out after opening the scoring at the Stadium of Light, explaining afterwards that the players had learned on Friday that Cooke’s father had died on the eve of the game.

“I didn't know Kyle was going to do that, but it was good to see - it was a great gesture,” Parkinson said.

“It had been a tough week for Cooky, he's a very popular member of staff, so I was pleased Kyle showed his support - and the rest of the lads too.

“Cooky wanted to be at the game on Saturday but he's not going to be there tonight because he has things to sort out back at home, as you can imagine.”