Youngsters who could play key role for Sunderland this season
Taylor impressed in that tie at Gillingham, and was arguably unlucky to drop out the squad for the following league fixtures as more experienced options returned.
But don’t rule out a League One call-up on football’s resumption date, with Taylor already having proven himself as a reliable young option.
Another who has caught the eye of Parkinson, Sammut regularly trained with the Black Cats’ first-team squad prior to the closure of the Academy of Light.
And while competition for places in the centre of the park is rife – Josh Scowen and Ethan Robson could walk free on June 30. Sammut, therefore, may be ready for a callup.
There would be question marks over his lack of firstteam experience, with his only senior appearances coming via a loan spell at Falkirk prior to his move to Wearside.
Highly-regarded by staff at the Academy of Light, Patterson has excelled for the under-23 team this term and is firmly on Parkinson’s radar.
With Jon McLaughlin a potential summer departure,
Patterson could prove a solution – although would likely still find himself behind Lee Burge in the pecking order.
In the long-term, should McLaughlin depart, Sunderland would likely seek a more experienced option to challenge Burge – but Patterson could provide some shortterm cover.
The duo impressed during their loan spells at South Shields and, with the Mariners’ season having prematurely ended, they look set to return to Sunderland when the season resumes.
With some additional first-team experience under their belts, they could prove an option for Parkinson – with their versatility proving useful.