Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson reveals when Hibernian and Aberdeen-linked midfielder will return

Parkinson is eager to try and reshuffle his options in January and another Sunderland player whose future remains uncertain is McGeouch.

McGeouch has played little football under Parkinson, restricted to just two appearances, one in the leasing.com trophy and one as a substitute in extra-time of the FA Cup first round replay against Gillingham.

He remains sidelined with a calf problem as it stands but the Black Cats boss is set to hold talks in the new year with the 26-year-old.

“He’s still got a problem with his calf,” Parkinson said.

“The last conversation I had with Dylan, just before he got injured, was that we would get through these early games in January and then sit down again.

“Unfortunately, it looks as if he’s certainly going to miss out on the first couple of games.”

Hibernian have been linked with a move for the pair, but boss Jack Ross rejected those reports.

McGeouch was the subject of strong interest from Aberdeen in the summer but decided to extend his deal for another year, and Derek McInnes swooped for Scunthorpe midfielder Funso Ojo instead.