This is why the return of Charlie Wyke could be crucial for under-fire Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson

This has heaped the pressure on boss Phil Parkinson who is already facing widespread calls to be sacked.

However, there could be a bit of hope for him in the return from injury of striker Charlie Wyke.

Wyke has been missing since limping out of the 1-0 defeat to Wycombe in Parkinson’s first game.

The striker made his long-awaited return to action off the bench in the recent away defeat to Gillingham.

He even thought he had marked his return with a goal but his close range finish was controversially ruled out moments after firing an effort inches wide.

It was an encouraging cameo and if he stays fit he could prove to be a huge asset.

For weeks Parkinson has had to make do with just Will Grigg and Benji Kimpioka as centre forward options with very poor results, hence why the return of Wyke could be so crucial.

It will give the Wearsiders a different dimension and could even make things easier for fellow forwards Grigg and Marc McNulty, who had shown plenty of early promise before picking up his own injury issues.

Wyke will provide the height and ability to win the aerial battles, meaning that whoever Parkinson chooses to partner him - either Grigg or McNulty - will have the balls to run on to in behind the opposition defence, where they are at their most dangerous.

As well as providing a helping hand for his fellow forwards, Wyke will also be hoping to bolster the goal scoring numbers himself, though he had only found the net on a couple of occasions before he was forced to leave the field at Adams Park.

Even so it will definitely be a welcome boost to Parkinson.

One thing is for sure he will be desperate for Wyke to make an immediate impact and help pick up some essential victories to silence some of those calling for his sacking.

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