It's safe to say that it's not been the start that Phil Parkinson would have had in mind at Sunderland, after he succeeded Jack Ross in October. 

Parkinson has just two wins to his name since arriving at the Stadium of Light, and will know that results have to improve at the earliest of opportunities.

Sunderland are next in action on Tuesday evening when they take on Gillingham in their FA Cup First Round replay, after the sides couldn't separated earlier this month.

[freshpress-poll ]

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of the game, Parkinson revealed that a key trio are set to miss the game against Gillingham.

"Joel Lynch, George Dobson and Jordan Willis won’t make the trip. Add that to Charlie Wyke, Lynden Gooch and the others who are away on international duty, we are light at the moment."

Lynch and Willis in particular will leave a sizeable void in Parkinson's side, as they have been key members of the squad for much of this year's campaign.

Some Sunderland fans may argue that it wouldn't be too much of an issue for the club to exit the FA Cup, as that'll give Parkinson's side full focus on their faltering league campaign.

The Black Cats missed out on promotion back into the Championship last term, after they were beaten by Charlton Athletic in the League One Play-Off Final at Wembley.

They currently sit ninth in the League One table, and will know that results have to improve if they're to stand any chance of returning to the second tier this term.

But with a number of injury worries to deal with, Parkinson will have to make do with a squad that is considerably light on first team players.

The Verdict: 

This will be hugely frustrating for Parkinson.

He hasn't started life at the Stadium of Light well at all, and he'll know that results have to improve in the near future, otherwise his critics will get louder and louder.

It'll be interesting to see who lines up in defence in particular against Gillingham on Tuesday, as it's clear to see that he's light in options in the back four with Willis and Lynch out.