Sunderland boss has this message for Dan Neil and Jack Diamond after opening day selection disappointment

There was some disappointment on Wearside last Saturday when both Dan Neil and Jack Diamond, who had impressed with some lively displays in the pre-season programme, were left out of the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers.

Parkinson has already ruled out a loan move in the final stages of the transfer window. Harrogate Town, where Diamond excelled on loan last season, made numerous enquiries over the summer about his availability.

The Black Cats boss has also said there will be chances for Elliot Embleton, though currently the attacking midfielder is still recovering from a thigh problem.

Both Neil and Diamond will be hopeful of being included in the squad for the trip to Oxford United this weekend, with one space in the 18 available following George Dobson’s red card last weekend.

Parkinson says there will be chances for the pair, though they may be more frequent next month, when Sunderland play eight fixtures in all competitions.

“They're going to be needed and they're going to get chances,” Parkinson said.

“After these first few weeks the games come thick and fast, with all the midweek games.

“I'm confident that when they get that chance, they will take it.

“With a player like Jack Diamond, we wouldn't be keeping him with us if we didn't feel that when the opportunity arises, we won't give him a chance.

“Of course, there'll be frustration but the senior players have got do their bit to keep hold of the shirt at the moment.

“The younger players, we want the U23 team to be stronger last year, that's important for the club. The first team is the most important thing but equally we've got to be sure that the team going out on a Monday night or a Monday afternoon has got a fighting chance of putting in a performance.

“The players I've mentioned will stay with us until January to see if they can force their way into the first team, and while they do that they'll help strengthen up the U23 team.”

Parkinson is also hoping that a more joined-up approach with the U23 and senior team can give a raft of summer additions a better chance of breaking into his side.

Morgan Feeney impressed on his debut after joining from Everton’s academy this summer, while the Black Cats boss also has high hopes for fellow additions Kenton Richardson and Josh Hawkes, who arrived after spells in the National League with Hartlepool United.

“We've brought in players for the U23 team who want to push to be involved in the first team,” Parkinson said.

“The two lads from Hartlepool, Morgan Feeney, and that's important for the club.

“It's important for the progression of the academy because if you have players in the U18 team who you want to step up, it's very difficult when that U23 team is being beaten convincingly every week.

“I really want to see that team be competitive.”

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