Sunderland fans deliver an emphatic message on out-of-favour Will Grigg as they urge Phil Parkinson to act

The Northern Irish international has scarcely been seen at the Stadium of Light since the turn of the year, but returned to the bench during the 1-0 defeat at Coventry City.

And with the Black Cats struggling for goals as of late, supporters have called for Grigg to be given another chance to shine.

In a poll on our Sunderland Echo SAFC Facebook page, over 3,900 fans had their say on whether the forward should return to the side against Gillingham on Saturday.

The verdict was an emphatic one – with 70% of supporters feeling Grigg should be handed a chance to shine against the Gills.

Here’s a selection of what supporters were saying about the striker, as they urged Phil Parkinson to act:

Jonathan Shepherd said: “He knows where goal is. And if he’s worked on fitness he should be much better! We bought him injured and expected the world from him.”

Richard Howe argued: “What’s the point? Grigg needs the ball played into the box and we don’t do that! The bloke has never stood a chance as we’ve never played to his strengths! Pay 3m for a goalscorer and he has to and try and win the ball himself!!”

John Spalding commented: “We’ve got nowt to lose!! We can’t score atm the min so he may be the piece of the puzzle needed. Spell out may just kick start him”

Frank Clarke posted: “Can't believe he never came on Sunday he could of fed off the 2 big lads, he should start semenyo too”

Kev Mewes added: “has to be worth a go”

Kaveh Fazlali argued: “Nah I'd play Lafferty upfront”

Wayne Turner said: “Anyone is better than Wyke, can't understand why he plays....”

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