Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson says he is hopeful on loan Wolves defender Dion Sanderson will be ok after picking up a knock in Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Rochdale.
Having joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan from Wolves on the final day of the summer transfer window, Sanderson was handed his first appearance for the club at Spotland, where Sunderland twice surrendered a lead to draw with Rochdale.
As well as the frustration around the result, there will have been concern for Sunderland at the sight of Sanderson struggling with a knee problem during the match.
Parkinson however, has moved to allay those fears somewhat, as speaking about the 20-year-old's fitness after the game, the Black Cats boss told The Sunderland Echo: "I hope that's OK. He just caught a nerve and couldn't feel his knee for a few seconds, which is always a worry."
Indeed, it seems Parkinson is impressed by Sanderson's determination and ability to complete the full 90 minutes despite that knock, as
he went on to add:
"But it shows his toughness that he wanted to stay on, and we are pleased with him as a signing. He gives us good pace and athleticism."
Following that draw, Sunderland sit seventh in the League One table, one point off the play-offs, and are next in action when they travel to Priestfield to face Gillingham on Saturday afternoon.
The Verdict
This will no doubt be a relief for those associated with Sunderland.
With the defensive injury problems they are already having to cope with at the moment, they could ill afford another one with Sanderson, particularly now the transfer market is closed, which would limit their ability to go out and get another replacement.
Indeed, you feel Sanderson himself will be hoping this is nothing serious as well, due to the fact that this is an opportunity for him to get regular first-team football across the course of a whole season.
