Phil Parkinson reveals when Tommy Smith will be ready to make his Sunderland debut

The centre back joined the Black Cats last week following a season-ending injury to Bailey Wright, and was an unused substitute for the visit of Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

And Parkinson, while impressed with the fitness shown by Smith, believes he is still not at full match fitness having been without a club for several months.

Smith did enjoy some time training with Ipswich Town in recent months but hasn’t played a competitive game in 2020.

However, the Sunderland boss is confident that the 29-year-old is not too far away from being able to make his mark.

Parkinson said: “Obviously he has had an under-23 game recently at another club and he has been training, but is he right up to speed? Probably not, but I don't think he's too far away.”