Wright could make Sunderland debut against Doncaster

Posted Thursday, January 23, 2020 by PA

Phil Parkinson could hand defender Bailey Wright his Sunderland debut when the Sky Bet League One play-off hopefuls host Doncaster on Friday night.

The Australia international joined the Black Cats on loan from Bristol City earlier this week and could slot straight into the starting line-up for the home side.

Northern Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty came off the bench for his Sunderland debut during last week’s 1-0 win at MK Dons and is pushing for his first start for the club.

Defender Tom Flanagan was not part of the matchday squad at his former club despite being fit after a scan on a shoulder injury showed no damage, while Elliot Embleton is unlikely to be risked after returning to training from a long-term hamstring problem.

Doncaster will be without top goalscorer Kieran Sadlier for the trip to the Stadium of Light.

The Irish winger sustained a broken nose and concussion during last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Coventry, which forced him off at half-time.

Sadlier must comply with the Football Association’s concussion protocol, therefore missing out with Rakish Bingham or Madger Gomes set to take his place.

Matty Blair is also an option for Darren Moore, but he has played just a few minutes of action since mid-September, while Cameron John is pushing for a recall after also returning from a hamstring injury.