Goalkeeper competition is key, says Parkinson
Phil Parkinson insists that Remi Matthews promotion to the starting XI should not be seen as a permanent move.
Parkinson sprung a surprise ahead of the 2-1 defeat to MK Dons last Saturday by handing a first league start to M atth ews , wh o h e h ad m a n a ge d at B o l t o n Wa n - derers.
The Su nderland boss confirmed on Friday that an ankle problem for Lee Burge was part of the reason for his decision.
Parkinson also said that he wanted Anthony Patterson to push both of his senio r goa l ke e p e r s ove r th e course of the season.
Patterson has impressed Pa rk i n s o n i n a n U 23 s i d e that has seen an uplift in results at the start of the campaign, and performed well in the 2-1 Papa John's Trophy defeat to Fleetwood Town last week.
"The thought behind it was that Remi had done well in his previous game," Parkinson said.
"Lee Burge had been carrying a slight knock with his ankle that was affecting his ankle, and so we went with Remi.
"It's not the case that Remi is now our number one.
"We' v e g o t t h r e e g o o d go a l k e e p e r s at t h e c l u b. I wa nt c o m p et i t i o n a n d I th i n k , rath e r th a n s ay i n g o n e i s c at e g o r i c a l l y f i r s t c h oic e, I wa nt th e m a l l to believe that they can get in the team.
"I feel we've got that and i t's g o o d c o m p e t i t i o n t o have.
"A n t h o ny i s w i t h o u t a doubt part of that. He came in for the Fleetwood game a n d s h o w e d wh at h e c a n do. He trains with the first team every day and is pushing hard, which is good."