Sunderland boss gives fitness update on January signings Josh Scowen, Bailey Wright and Kyle Lafferty

Scowen became Sunderland’s third signing of the January window on Monday night, joining from QPR for an undisclosed fee.

Wright joined last week and was an unused substitute for the 0-0 draw with Doncaster Rovers.

The Black Cats travel to Prenton Park on Wednesday to face Tranmere Rovers and both are set to be included in the matchday squad.

Parkinson has had a very settled starting XI of late but Sunderland face a hectic schedule in the coming weeks, and he says he will have no concerns throwing the pair into action when needed.

“Josh and Bailey are ready,” Parkinson said.

“There are no problems with those two.”

One player further away from his full debut is striker Kyle Lafferty.

The Northern Ireland international has made two appearances fromt he bench since joining on a short-term deal, but missed out on a chance to build on his match fitness in a practice game last Saturday.

He is likely to be included in the squad on Wednesday night, however, with Duncan Watmore and Will Grigg unavailable due to minor injuries.

“Kyle unfortunately got a dead leg the other night when he came on, so couldn’t play on Saturday,” Parkinson said.

“We were a bit frustrated he couldn't play but the physio was obviously adamant that it would be a risk so quickly after picking up a dead leg.

“But he trained on Tuesday and he’s getting there [towards a start].”