Phil Parkinson discusses Ethan Robson plans as Sunderland weigh up loan decision

Robson returned from a successful loan at Grimsby Town earlier this month and has made a positive impression on the training ground.

Parkinson, speaking after the goalless draw with Doncaster Rovers, said 23-year-old Robson is training ‘very well’ and is not pushing to leave on loan, with the academy product keen to prove himself at Sunderland.

A final decision over whether to send him out on loan again or not is likely to come later in the week as the Black Cats have a hectic schedule with a Wednesday evening trip to Tranmere Rovers followed by a long trip down to Portsmouth on Saturday, the day after the January transfer window closes.

“Ethan is in and amongst it and he is training very well,” said Parkinson, when asked for an update on his situation.

“We will just weigh it up, I am in constant dialogue with him about that.

“He is not pushing to leave, he is a local boy and wants to see if he can get an opportunity.”

Should Robson feature for Sunderland at Tranmere before the 11pm deadline on Friday night then his only other option would be to join Grimsby Town on loan again, as players cannot appear for more than two clubs in one season.

Sunderland head into the busy week on the back of an eight-game unbeaten run.