Sunderland midfielder facing uncertain future amid Scottish interest

Aberdeen are looking to bolster their squad after Greg Leigh and Craig Bryson were ruled out for at least two months.

Derek McInnes told the Daily Record: “The news with the two boys isn’t great and it does put the squad under a bit of strain.

“I think we’ve always been looking to try to get a couple of signings in anyway and hopefully we can still do that.

“It’s something I’ve already spoken to the chairman about. Normally in January, your numbers are in place at the start of the season and your budget’s there.

“In January you’re normally looking to try to add to your starting X1 and improve that and your squad.”

McGeouch has barely featured under Phil Parkinson and could leave Wearside next month, the midfielder is entering the final six months of his deal.

Meanwhile, Parkinson has urged his Sunderland players to use the festive period to lift the club from its lowest ever position in league football.

The Black Cats welcome Bolton Wanderers today languishing in 13th position, winless since the visit of Southend United at the start of November.

Parkinson is encouraged by having an almost fully fit squad to call upon, with George Dobson and McGeouch the only absentees through suspension and a calf problem.

“The Christmas period gives us the chance to get right back into the top end of the division,” he said.

“We’ve got four games coming round very quickly, we’ve got players back on the training pitch looking good.

“The squad is looking healthier and we’re ready to tackle these games.”

The game will also see Parkinson come up against his former club for the first time since his resignation earlier in the season.