Phil Parkinson set to be without two defenders for Sunderland's opening competitive fixtures

Phil Smith
By Phil Smith
Published 24th Aug 2020, 10:19 BST
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Sunderland will be without Tom Flanagan and Conor McLaughlin for the opening two games of the new season.

The pair have been named in new Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough's first squad for matches against Romania and Norway.

However, Phil Parkinson has been handed a boost with Will Grigg not named in the squad.

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The 29-year-old will be looking to build on a promising first pre-season outing, in which he contributed a goal and an assist in a 3-1 win over Gateshead.

Sunderland defender Tom FlanaganSunderland defender Tom Flanagan
Sunderland defender Tom Flanagan

Sunderland's competitive season will begin against Hull City at the Stadium of Light on September 5th, with the game confirmed as a 3pm kick-off.

Grant McCann's side will be without Josh Magennis, who has also been named in the Northern Ireland squad by Baraclough.

McCann is also expected to be without summer signing Lewie Coyle, who is suspended, and forward James Scott, who has been named in the Scotland U21 squad.