The Black Cats will return to League One action this weekend with supporters keen to see which – if any – of the shining lights from the defeats to Mansfield and Fleetwood will feature.
So who could be in contention, and who may have to wait for another chance? We take a look:
1. REMI MATTHEWS
The stopper could do little about the goal he conceded against Mansfield Town, and as a game it was not a real barometer for whether Matthews could challenge Lee Burge in the long-term given that the stopper was scarcely tested. He’ll likely get another opportunity in the knockout stages of the Papa John’s Trophy, though. VERDICT: May have to wait for another opportunity Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. ANTHONY PATTERSON
Patterson will likely drop out the senior squad for the visit of MK Dons, but that is no slight on his performance at Fleetwood Town - in which he made a couple of smart stops and impressed with his distribution. Here’s hoping that isn’t the last we see of the academy graduate in the first-team. VERDICT: May have to wait for another opportunity Photo: Frank Reid
3. DION SANDERSON
The Wolves loanee was always likely to start against MK Dons given the absence of Conor McLaughlin and Tom Flanagan, and put in a steady enough performance against Mansfield. VERDICT: In contention for MK Dons Photo: Frank Reid
4. OLIVER YOUNGER
It was a major disappointment that Younger was forced to withdraw through injury at Fleetwood given how impressive his first half performance had been. He proved to Parkinson - who has already handed him the chance to train with the first-team squad - that he could handle an experienced Fleetwood frontline. It would have been little surprise had he been involved in some capacity against MK Dons were it not for his injury. First-team chances may not be immediately forthcoming, but don’t be surprised if Younger is in and around the squad in the future. VERDICT: May have to wait for another opportunity Photo: FRANK REID 2020