Sunderland goalkeeper Lee Burge was handed his first league start of the campaign at the weekend.
Parkinson has just taken over from Jack Ross at Sunderland, and he has already made a change in goal.
Burge came in to replace Jon McLaughlin as Sunderland’s number one at Wycombe Wanderers.
And Burge admits that Parkinson’s decision took him by surprise.
“The manager named the team on Friday morning,” he said.
“It was a nice surprise and lovely to make my league debut.
“I came here to do what I’ve done, work really hard and push Jon, do the best I can.
“I wanted a new experience here and I’m loving every minute here.
“I think I did alright, I was calm and collected and it’s just nice to help the team in any way I can.”
Burge will hope that he can now nail down a place in Sunderland’s line-up, after playing second fiddle since arriving at the Stadium of Light.
Parkinson didn’t get off to the dream start at Sunderland, as they were beaten 1-0 by Wycombe Wanderers.
The Black Cats never really got going in the contest, and managed just one shot on target.
Burge was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers, as Wycombe boosted their own promotion hopes by picking up three points.
Sunderland are next in action against Tranmere Rovers, when Parkinson will be hoping for a more positive result.
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