Phil Parkinson reveals key factor behind Chris Maguire's recent improvement and praises this Sunderland trio

It sealed a morale-boosting 2-1 victory and helped briefly relieve some of the intense pressure on Phil Parkinson, though he will know the Black Cats need to back the win up at Fleetwood Town on New Year’s Day.

Parkinson has praised Maguire for working on his fitness under the new regime and hopes Sunderland will benefit from it between now and the end of the campaign.

Maguire, a constant pest throughout, also hit the bar with a free-kick and was a threat from set pieces before taking his goal superbly.

On Maguire, Parkinson said: “He got the goal. His set play delivery was excellent and that is a big factor.

“He is getting fitter, working harder, we are working with him all the time to see out games.

“He has lost quite a bit of weight and is getting there.

“I am telling him there are not too many pats on the back for that, that is where he should be but if we can add the real professionalism to his quality then there is a good player there.”

Parkinson also praised the impact of trio Denver Hume, fit-again Lynden Gooch - who scored a screamer to open the scoring - and Charlie Wyke who led the line well.

Parkinson added: “Doncaster we knew would start quick but we overrode that and took the game to them, some of the play was brilliant.

“Denver is getting better all of the time, there is improvement in him and Goochy. Not just because of the desire and quality, his will to win.

“Charlie didn’t get much protection in the first half. They will get stronger, they have missed a lot of football and we will see how they are.”

While pleased with the win, victory moving Sunderland up to 13th, Parkinson was keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

He added: “We need momentum, we keep our feet on the ground. You have to be together and show resilience and character and we did that.”