Steve Parkin drops January hint as Sunderland look to step up attempts to strengthen this month

The Black Cats assistant manager says Phil Parkinson ‘is spinning plates’ as he looks to improve the Black Cats squad, with the manager prioritising ‘pace and power’.

Parkin says they also believe that bringing in players who can thrive on the pressure is key, and are eager to find players with experience of the Championship.

“We are working hard to strengthen the squad because it’s not massive,” Parkin said.

“They have to be players that are capable of playing here, no doubt about it.

“We would like some with just a wee bit of experience maybe, just to help the younger ones along.

“It’s a big football club and the demands are high. It’s about making sure the players can handle it not just physically and techincally, but mentally as well,” he added.

“That’s important for us, if you look through our squad it’s not got a vast amount of Championship experience in it. If players [with that experience] are available then that might help because players coming to that level are used to playing at bigger clubs, in bigger venues and in bigger games.

“The key thing is to strengthen with the right types, the right work ethic and the right belief, then it can only enhance the group.”

Sunderland face Lincoln City on Saturday looking to close the gap to the play-off places.

Michael Appleton’s side sit 16th in the table but come into the game full of confidence after consecutive wins against Ipswich Town and Peterborough United.

The Black Cats were beaten 2-0 at Sincil Bank earlier in the season in what turned out to be Jack Ross’ final game in charge, and Parkin says his side will have to be wary of their counter-attacking threat.

“It’s important that we dictate to them, we’re on our home patch with our fans behind us,” Parkin said.

“We’ll make sure the lads are motivated and transfer that onto the pitch. We respect the dangerous players in their team and the fact they are dangerous on the break.

“It's got all the ingredients for a very good game.”