Thousands of Sunderland supporters urge Phil Parkinson to make this big fixture decision

The Black Cats are set to travel to Roots Hall on March 28 but, given the game falls on an international weekend, it could yet be re-arranged.

Sunderland are likely to have at least three players in their respective international squads, with the likes of Jon McLaughlin, Conor McLaughlin, Tom Flanagan and Declan John all in contention for a call-up.

And while that could leave Phil Parkinson’s rank depleted for the trip to Southend, supporters have urged the Sunderland chief to play the fixture rather than postpone it.

Thousands of supporters voted in a poll on our Sunderland Echo SAFC Facebook page, with 74% keen to see the fixture played on its original date.

Fans had plenty to say on the matter, and here’s a selection of their best comments:

Neil O’Brien said: “Could be detrimental to the promotion push. A break can be a bad thing although a break could help. But were winning and hard to beat keep the momentum going”

Keith Nix argued: “Don't really understand this. Someone just yesterday was saying lads look tired. But I will always be for postponing. Internationals are best players, in theory. Why would you want to play without them? I understand the 2 weeks off and crowded schedule at the end, but they are best players.. what if you drop points without them??”

Ryan Veith commented: “Play it and then hopefully he will play some of the lads he brought in January”

Mark Birdsall posted: “We should have enough back up to be able to cope with Southend.”

Jonny Howarth added: “Play it, that would mean no game for 2 weeks. Can’t loose momentum this late on the season”

Tom Crangle said: “Mclaughlin,Mclaughlin Flanagan,John, Wright,Lafferty, all may be called up ok Wrights injured and i may of missed someone else”

Becka Leska posted: “Depends who it is tbh”

And Sue Stephenson Martin simply commented: “Not again!!!”