Gary Bennett has called on Sunderland to use their experience to improve results on the pitch.

The Black Cats were expected to challenge for automatic promotion this term but instead find themselves sitting in 11th place after a poor run of form.

As it stands, Sunderland are five points from the play-off places and a staggering 10 from the top two.

Phil Parkinson has tried several different team selections in order to get results back on track, including playing a number of young players.

But according to the Bennett, now may not be the time to be blooding youngsters.

Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Bennett said: “If you were going to throw them in, you would have thrown them in earlier.
“You’d be asking a lot of these young players if you’re saying ‘we’re in the s**t now, can you get us out of it?’.
“We’ve had opportunities to blood these youngsters in and you could have easily played them in games earlier on.
“Now, if you’re going to start talking about playing the likes of your Brandon Taylor and Benji Kimpioka - in high-pressured games, because that’s what they will be - these players will need to get results.
“If the results aren’t good, then all of a sudden people are going to say they aren’t good enough.”
Can you name the Sunderland XI from the 2014 League Cup final clash with Man City? Have a go!
 
Bennett added: "Benji Kimpioka came on against Coventry and did well - but is he ready?
“You can only find out if you play him, but if you play him then who do you leave out?
“At this stage, Sunderland need experience.
“Phil Parkinson has to make these decisions and pick the right team to win games.”
The verdict
Phil Parkinson deserves time to make his mark with Sunderland. While results have been far from ideal at the Stadium Of Light, the former Bolton boss has had limited time to make his mark on a squad of players which he inherited when he took over. Realistically, Parkinson should only be judged at the end of the season, and while things aren't looking good at the moment, things could easily turn around in the second half of the season.