What Phil Parkinson said about Grant Leadbitter's Sunderland role ahead of key Oxford United selection call

Leadbitter rejoined the group for pre-season after an absence from the game earlier this year for personal reasons.

The 34-year-old made his first competitive appearance of the campaign against Aston Villa U21s last Tuesday, and produced a dominant midfield display in the 8-1 win.

Leadbitter also produced an eye-catching assist for the eighth goal, a precise long pass allowing Aiden O'Brien to open his account for the club.

Leadbitter's playing time looks likely to be reduced this campaign. While he remains club captain, Parkinson has named Max Power, a regular in the starting XI, as his team captain.

Parkinson, though, says Leadbitter has made clear that he will push for minutes.

"I was so pleased with Grant in that game against Aston Villa," Parkinson said.

"He's a big plus for us from pre-season because he's come back in great shape, both mentally and physically. He's a good player, we know that, he's played to a very high standard in his career.

The major decisions Phil Parkinson is weighing up ahead of Oxford United clash

"The pre-season work he's done, and he's done some individual work with Nick Allamby, has helped him a lot as well.

"He's got a desire to be in and around the team. He wants to play and that's great to see.

"I do feel there's a really important role for Grant to play as club captain as the young players will look up to him," Parkinson added.

"Grant is very happy to take that on but equally, he's got a desire to be in the team and he was very, very good against Aston Villa."

Leadbitter was named on the bench in the 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers last weekend, alongside fellow central midfielder Josh Scowen.

Parkinson will pick between the two for this weekend's trip to Oxford United, with the club opting not to appeal George Dobson's late record in that Rovers draw.

Scowen had staked his claim alongside Leadbitter in the EFL Trophy win over Villa U21s, scoring a goal and producing three assists, two of which were from corners.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear

Football Clubs Editor