McGeady returned to train with the U23 group last week, but has suffered a calf injury that will prevent him for training for a ‘period of time’.

The Black Cats are keen to offload the winger this summer, after Parkinson removed him from the first-team group last year.

He subsequently joined Charlton Athletic on loan, but they are unlikely to revive their interest as they currently operating under a transfer embargo.

Parkinson said that McGeady would not be part of the first-team group this season as he is keen to promote the club’s young talent in the attacking midfield position.

“Aiden has come back and has been training with the U23s,” Parkinson said.

“I want to focus on the group that is here.

“I don't want to block the pathway of our young players. We've got some good young players and I think it is time for the Elliot Embleton’s and the Dan Neil's of this world to step up to the plate and be a part of our first-team squad.

“Aiden trained with the U23s last week but unfortunately pulled his calf, which means he will now be unable to train for a period of time.”

McGeady currently counts towards the club’s salary cap calculations, but Parkinson is relaxed as the transfer window will stay open until midway through October.

“He obviously counts towards the salary cap but there is a while left yet in the transfer window,” Parkinson said.

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This is the latest on Aiden McGeady's Sunderland future as Phil Parkinson reveals injury setback

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.