Phil Parkinson believes the under-fire George Dobson produced his finest football of the season in Tuesday’s 2-1 EFL Trophy defeat to Fleetwood Town, as reported by the Chronicle.
In the space of just three days, the Black Cats have lost two games in two different cup competitions.
After being knocked out of the FA Cup by Mansfield on Saturday, Sunderland took the lead against Joey Barton’s Fleetwood at Highbury only to concede twice in eight second-half minutes, as Barrie McKay and Mark Duffy cancelled out James Hill’s early own goal.
The performance of Dobson was, however, a welcome positive for Parkinson.
The former Walsall ace has struggled for form this season and has even been left out of the matchday squad for Sunderland’s last two League One games.
But, in the North West, Dobson looked back to his tigerish best in the middle of the park before showcasing his versatility by dropping into central defence late on.
“George has had a difficult start in terms of getting sent off on the opening day (against Bristol Rovers), his season hasn’t really got going – but that was the best 45 minutes he has had this season,” Parkinson says.
“I think people forget that he was terrific for us last season but sometimes players lose a bit of form or confidence.
“He looked very good tonight, though.”
Parkinson was also full of praise for debutant Callum McFadzean and youngsters Elliot Embleton and Ollie Younger.
The latter, a 20-year-old defender, looked the part before being forced off with an ill-timed knee injury.
“I really felt for Ollie because he has made a real impression since he has been here,” Parkinson says.
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