Sunderland boss reveals latest on Jordan Willis, Tom Flanagan and Elliot Embleton ahead of Portsmouth clash

Phil Parkinson is weighing up changes to his Sunderland defence after positive news from the treatment room this week.
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Parkinson said on Friday that Jordan Willis is ‘a lot closer’ to being involved, after missing the 1-0 win over Crewe Alexandra with a foot problem.

Tom Flanagan, who Sunderland feared could be facing a spell on the sidelines with an ankle problem, had unexpectedly been able to take a place on the bench for that game and has played a full part in training since then.

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“Jordan had the whack on the foot which the physio was concerned about because it came up quickly in a lump.

Luke O'Nien has excelled in an unfamiliar role of lateLuke O'Nien has excelled in an unfamiliar role of late
Luke O'Nien has excelled in an unfamiliar role of late

That settled down quickly and we had no reason to rush him back for Tuesday's game. He’s a lot closer.

“Tom's ankle had swollen considerably, so he went for a scan and as a result of that we wanted a specialist to look at it,” Parkinson added.

“When he did, he just said it was bruising. So while there was discomfort, the specialist said that as long as Tom could carry on, he felt he'd be alright.”

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Both have been figures in Parkinson’s defence this year, but their absence allowed other players an opportunity to impress.

Luke O’Nien has excelled on the left of a back three, while Lynden Gooch has produced assists in consecutive games from the wing-back position.

Sunderland face Portsmouth having kept five consecutive clean sheets in the league.

A sixth against Kenny Jackett’s Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon would equal a record going back to 1996.

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“With Luke, those wide centre-backs in a back three have got to have the ability to step in with the ball and make the extra man in midfield,” Parkinson said.

“Quite often that role is filled by a player who plays full back.

“Luke is very good in the air but he's also got the ability to drive forward with the ball. Even in the final minutes of the game the other night he was still doing that.

“Conor on the right has played at full back, and with Jordan we've seen it many times when he's got forward on the overlap and delivered crosses.

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“With Lynden, he's shown real quality in the final third to produce two crosses for two goals,” Parkinson added.

“He's a versatile player and any squad in a season where the games comes thick and fast, needs those players.”

Parkinson is also hoping for a boost in attacking positions over the next week.

After a torrid year, Elliot Embleton could be set to take the next step in his comeback on Monday, when Sunderland U23s take on Fulham at the Academy of Light.

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Parkinson has warned that the 21-year-old will need significant U23 gametime before he can be considered for senior selection, but it is nevertheless an important step forward.

“Elliot has trained and we're hoping that he will be involved on Monday,” he said.

“I haven't seen him today but if everything has gone OK then he will be involved in some capacity.”

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