Steve Parkin reveals the training ground work and message to Sunderland forward Chris Maguire

Steve Parkin believes the hard work with Chris Maguire on the training ground can reap rewards for Sunderland as they look to turn their season round over the festive period.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The forward was criticised last week after he was pictured at a McDonalds with Aiden McGeady, who has since been told he can leave in January for other reasons not fully divulged.

While McGeady’s Sunderland career looks to be over, Maguire has been working hard on the training pitch doing extra sessions and he produced an improved display in the draw with Blackpool.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Maguire’s delivery from corners was excellent, Charlie Wyke scoring the equaliser from one.

Sunderland forward Chris Maguire.Sunderland forward Chris Maguire.
Sunderland forward Chris Maguire.

Assistant boss Parkin said: “We worked hard on Thursday just after training for half an hour and then again on Friday on his set plays and his delivery was excellent.

“He has taken on board what we said to him and I think he grew into the game.

“I thought he was quiet at the start but grew into it and showed some good touches.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He is a talented footballer and he has to work hard at his game which I am sure he is doing and he can be a threat for us.”

The Sunderland squad returns to training on Tuesday and Parkin says a couple could be given a run out in the Under-23 fixture on Wednesday evening.

A decision will then be taken as to whether they need to organise another training game for this weekend, with Sunderland not playing on Saturday after Bury were kicked out of the EFL.

Parkin added: “There is a U23 game Wednesday which maybe we could use for a couple and then we’ll see if we need to organise one maybe over the weekend.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

On Wednesday, Sunderland Under-23s will host Willington in the Durham County Challenge Cup at 7.30pm for a place in round three of the competition.

Elliott Dickman’s side have already beaten Washington 5-1 and Boldon CA 4-0 in the competition. Entry to the game is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.