Sunderland boss reveals what future holds for Ethan Robson amid interest in Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty

Phil Parkinson says his pursuit of another central midfielder is not necessarily bad news for Ethan Robson.
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Robson has returned from a successful loan spell at Grimsby Town to try and force his way into the first-team picture on Wearside.

The Sunderland boss has not yet decided whether he will keep him at the club or send him back out on loan, with Grimsby at the head of the queue to take him back should that happen.

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Parkinson has held talks with Rangers about a move for midfielder Greg Docherty as he looks to strengthen his options in central midfield, with Max Power and George Dobson firmly established as his preferred partnership at the moment.

Sunderland midfielder Ethan Robson.Sunderland midfielder Ethan Robson.
Sunderland midfielder Ethan Robson.

Docherty has interest from a number of clubs and as it stands is not the club’s sole option in that position.

The 23-year-old had an impressive attacking output on loan at Shrewsbury Town last season and so offers the added benefit of potentially being able to operate further up the pitch.

Parkinson continues to assess the market, but does not believe that will be a barrier to Robson.

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“At the moment, Ethan is pushing hard in training and I think his attitude since he’s come back has been great,” he said.

“He clearly has a determination to get himself involved.

“Equally, I’ve got to make sure we’re covered [in central midfield] in case of suspensions, etc.”

Robson made 21 appearances at Grimsby in the first half of the season, scoring three goals.

MK Dons, meanwhile, have bolstered their ranks ahead of the visit of Sunderland – having clinched a half-season loan deal for Norwich City midfielder Louis Thompson.

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The Welsh U21 international becomes the Dons’ third signing of the winter window and could feature against the Black Cats when they head to stadium:mk on Saturday, January 18.

Thompson, 25, featured on a handful of occasions for Norwich City last season as they sealed promotion to the Premier League and has also spent time at Swindon Town and Shrewsbury Town.

“The team are playing a great brand of football and I wanted to get down here and be a part of that,” he said. “Hopefully I can take to it .”