Gillingham suffer major injury setback as Phil Parkinson explains what he wants from Sunderland squad in League One clash

The Black Cats boss is expecting an entirely different challenge to the one Sunderland faced against Rochdale on Tuesday night.

Steve Evans’ side are suffering from a number of injuries and have been struggling for form in recent games, but were only narrowly beaten by Ipswich in midweek and are known for being a physically imposing side.

Set piece defending, including long throws, has been a key part of Sunderland’s preparation.

They lost 1-0 at the same ground in the league last year, after Connor Ogilvie’s late winner from a corner. It proved to be an acrimonious afternoon with significant repercussions for the Black Cats.

While Parkinson has urged his side to be resilient, he is also keen to ensure they produce a performance with tempo and quality on the ball.

“It's a completely different challenge to Rochdale, a completely different style of play.

“Rochdale look to play out from the back where they can, whereas Gillingham are different.

“They had a good start to the season and some indifferent results of late, and of course they will make it as uncomfortable as they can for us.

“We've got to be ready to deal with that, but also to be ready to play.

“It's about striking that balance between being physical enough to deal with the long throws and set plays, but making sure we've got the calmness to get the ball down and play.

“It can be relentless but we've got to be relentless ourselves in the way we go about our business.

“I'm confident we've got the strength in our team to cope with the physicality, but equally we've got to play and that's the key to this game.

“We've got good footballers, we need to get it down, switch it quickly and impose ourselves.”Evans will be without goalkeeper Jack Bonham, who is sitting out the game due to concussion protocols.

A club statement reads: “The club can confirm that Jack Bonham will be unavailable for selection for the next five days after sustaining concussion during Tuesday’s League 1 fixture against Ipswich at Portman Road.

“After being assessed by Head Physio Gary Hemens on the field of play during the first half it was decided that the goalkeeper could not continue, and Joe Walsh came on to make his professional debut as a result.

“Jack must now not train, or play, for seven days following the incident and will next be available for selection ahead of Gills FA Cup game against Woking at MEMS Priestfield Stadium next weekend.”

Bonham’s injury is likely to mean that 18-year-old Walsh makes just his second appearance for the club.

Evans is also without Ryan Jackson, Jacob Mellis and Tommy O’Connor.

Earlier this week, Evans suggested that he would go into the market for emergency cover in goal, should Bonham not be fit to play.

"If Jack can’t play we need to bring in a goalkeeper anyway, we can’t just start with one. Joe is at the early stages of his development.”

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