Steve Parkin has issued an update on the injury that forced Chris Maguire off the pitch against Rochdale.

The 31-year-old played 72 minutes of the 3-0 victory on Tuesday night and played a key role by providing two assists for Sunderland's goals.

Maguire hobbled off to be replaced by Antoine Semenyo, but according to the Black Cats' assistant boss, his injury is nothing to worry about.

Speaking after the game, Parkin said: “He’s alright.

“He said he did it with a burst of pace. I can’t see that, can you? I think it’s a bit of a dead leg. He’ll be fine.”

Despite hobbling off the pitch Maguire was one of Sunderland's best performers against Rochdale, and according to Parkin, the Black Cats seem to have found a formula to get the best from the 31-year-old.

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He said: "I think he’s a player playing with a lot of confidence.

“I think he enjoys the role he’s playing, he’s relishing the fact that he gets a lot of the ball and in good areas.

“He’s a tremendous crosser of the ball, if you give him half a yard, he will put it in a good area. He’s been a key player for us and he’s enjoying his football."

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The verdict

The news that Chris Maguire's injury is not serious is a massive boost.

The Sunderland star has been a massive player for Phil Parkinson in recent weeks after providing a number of crucial goals and assists.

Seeing him hobble off against Rochdale was certainly concerning, but thankfully with it being a dead leg he shouldn't be out for too long.

That means that a return against Oxford United should be on the cards.