Sunderland boss discusses his plan to get Will Grigg and Marc McNulty firing after frustrating start to the campaign

Grigg’s goal and performance against Tranmere during Parkinson’s second game in charge raised hopes of an upturn in form, but he has not scored since then and missed last Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Scunthorpe due to illness.

With Charlie Wyke and Marc McNulty injured, Grigg looks set to lead the line when the Black Cats take on Gillingham in the FA Cup first-round replay on Tuesday night.

“With Will, he's got to make sure that his all-round game is good enough to stay in the team,” Parkinson said.

“Sometimes as a striker, when the goals don't come, you can forget to concentrate on the other areas, your hold-up play, challenging, making those runs in behind to play your part in the structure of the team.

“He's got over his illness, trained Friday, Saturday, Sunday and looks good.

“He's determined to make an impact here, sometimes with his body language he doesn't give that impression but I can assure all the supporters he cares deeply and wants to do well,” he added.

“We've to help him to do that more often in a 90-minute game.

“I think he's just frustrated with himself and feels he hasn't quite lived up to expectations yet, but I just want to focus on the areas of his game where I think he needs to have more impact.

“We've gone through that, showing him some of the games, and the goals with come off the back of that contribution.”

Parkinson is eager to get Wyke back to full fitness, convicned that the centre-forward can make a big impact at Sunderland.

He also believes Marc McNulty has lots to offer, but believes who the Reading loanee is paired with absolutely key to his success.

“It can be tough when you're asked to play that lone striker role, and in reality Marc needs that physicality around him to get the best out of him,” he said.

“That maybe a stronger number ten or an out-and-out striker alongside him at the top of the pitch.”