---
title: "Sunderland: Phil Smith backs Grant Leadbitter to retain starting place"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/sunderland-phil-smith-backs-leadbitter-keep-place/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "League One News"
published: "2020-09-21T18:20:46Z"
modified: "2020-09-21T18:20:46Z"
---

# Sunderland: Phil Smith backs Grant Leadbitter to retain starting place

**[Sunderland Echo](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/phil-smiths-sunderland-afc-qa-transfer-latest-explained-and-big-selection-debates-fine-oxford-united-win-2978335) writer Phil Smith has discussed whether or not Grant Leadbitter will keep his place in Sunderland’s starting XI this coming weekend.**

Leadbitter was an unused substitute against Bristol Rovers on the opening day of the League One season in a game which ended 1-1.

With George Dobson seeing red in that game, the experienced midfielder was handed a start by Phil Parkinson at the weekend as the Wearsiders overturned Oxford United 2-0.

Playing the full game, the midfielder helped Sunderland ensure that they made it four points out of a possible six and journalist Smith has now touched on whether he thinks Leadbitter will keep his place.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

When asked whether or not Leadbitter should keep his place in the starting XI via his [Q&A](https://www.sunderlandecho.com/sport/football/sunderland-afc/phil-smiths-sunderland-afc-qa-transfer-latest-explained-and-big-selection-debates-fine-oxford-united-win-2978335) with Sunderland Echo, Smith said: *“As long as he maintains that level of performance, he will stay in the team.*

*“Most of the side struggled in the first half and while Leadbitter was far from dominant, he still played one or two excellent passes to open the game up.*

*“In his two appearances so far we’ve seen some good signs in terms of his understanding with Aiden O’Brien, springing him clear with good balls over the top.*

*“In the second half he was excellent, on top of second balls, positionally aware and making key interceptions.*

*“We know that Parkinson wants to play with a holding midfielder, as he feels it gives the full/wing-backs the cover they need to get forward.*

*“Leadbitter will keep the role for the weekend, you feel, and has a chance to really stake a claim.*

*“Of course, we know that in this congested fixture schedule, he isn’t going to play every single game.*

*“Like many, I’ve said it would be good to see what Josh Scowen can do from the start.*

*“It may well be that this Saturday is the day.*

*“Parkinson said post-match that he doesn’t think Max Power’s injury is too serious, but he’s certainly a doubt at this stage.”*

The 34-year-old made 14 League One appearances during the 2019/20 season but was handed a spell of [compassionate leave](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/18216281.grant-leadbitter-given-compassionate-leave-sunderland/) in February due to personal reasons. Now that he is back in action, the midfielder will be looking to add to his tally of [534 career appearances.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/grant-leadbitter/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/13796)

Leadbitter was as steady as a rock on Saturday and his experience could well be a key part of Sunderland’s season.

It will be interesting to see if he features against Peterborough at the weekend but, with a good win behind them, Parkinson could remain largely loyal to the team that defeated Oxford.

***Do you think Leadbitter should stay in the starting XI? Let us know your views in the comments section below…***