Why Sunderland's Phil Parkinson won't take the bait when it comes to Fleetwood Town boss and ex-Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton

But Phil Parkinson is keen for his players to do the talking when the former Newcastle United midfielder brings his Fleetwood Town side to the Stadium of Light on Tuesday (KO 7.45pm).

Ahead of the game between the promotion rivals, Parkinson said: “Obviously football is about on the pitch, 11 v 11. They are on a good run, the same as us.

“Playing the top teams is what it is all about. Bristol Rovers was a tricky game because they made it difficult for us. We played Fleetwood at Christmas and we know what we have to do. It is up to us implement that.

“[Paddy] Madden scores goals for them, [Paul] Coutts is a good footballer in midfield, but we have good players and we are full of confidence as well.

"As an ex-Newcastle player there is always going to be a lot of talk but I don’t want to go into that.

"I am not bothered about that. I want us to keep playing well like we have been and hopefully get another important three points.”

Sunderland climbed a place to fourth in League One on Saturday thanks to the 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers; Lynden Gooch, Charlie Wyke and Luke O'Nien with the goals.

Sixth-placed Fleetwood Town have won their last five games and occupy the final League One play-off place.

Joel Lynch could return to the matchday squad following a rib injury.