Sunderland boss gives Lee Burge update and his view on goalkeeping dilemma

Phil Parkinson has confirmed that Lee Burge is fully fit after an ankle problem, though it seems likely that Remi Matthews will retain his place in the Sunderland side for the time being.
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Matthews was suprisingly handed his league debut for the 2-1 defeat to MK Dons, after Burge had kept six clean sheets in the opening ten fixtures.

Parkinson revealed after that game that the decision was based partly on an ankle problem for Burge, which had affected his kicking during the 2-1 win over Ipswich Town.

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The Black Cats boss insists that he has no first-choice goalkeeper this season, and expects Matthews and Burge to compete for the shirt throughout the campaign.

Remi Matthews has stepped into the Sunderland side in recent weeksRemi Matthews has stepped into the Sunderland side in recent weeks
Remi Matthews has stepped into the Sunderland side in recent weeks

He has also been effusive in his praise for youngster Anthony Patterson, who started the 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood Town in the Papa John’s Trophy and acquited himself well.

“Burgey is a lot better,” Parkinson said.

“It was just his kicking that was being affected in that Ipswich game.

“There's good competition in that position now, Remi has come in and done well. As I've said, young Anthony Patterson is continuing to impress us in training and U23 games.

“We're just picking the best goalkeeper for the next game.

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“Training, form in the previous game of course comes into consideration, and also what has gone on before.

“It's a combination of factors within that but I think it's important we have that competition and that they can keep driving each other in training,” he added.

“In my experience, you need the best two goalkeepers you can possibly get.

“You don't want a number two who is happy not playing, and who isn't good enough when required.

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“Within the restrictions, we went out to get the best goalkeepers we could and that's what we've tried to do.

“Burgey had a good start in terms of the clean sheets.

“Remi came in late as everybody knows and missed a lot of football. He needed time to get going, but he's getting there.”

Parkinson has some other selection dilemmas to weigh up ahead of the clash with Fleetwood Town.

Lynden Gooch misses out with an ankle problem, with Elliot Embleton and Danny Graham the likeliest candidates to replace him.

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