Sunderland boss Phil Parkinson has backed Laurens de Bock to step up should he replace Tom Flanagan against Doncaster on Sunday.
The Black Cats defender had to be withdrawn against Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day, with the Northern Irishman a doubt for the game at the Keepmoat Stadium.
On-loan Leeds United defender De Bock replaced Flanagan on Thursday - despite some fans wanting a more attacking change - but Parkinson was pleased with the Belgian's contribution.
“We had worked on the system," said Parkinson.
"He (De Bock) has played there and I thought he stepped in and produced some moments of real quality with his left foot."
Explaining why he opted to stay with the three central defenders instead of a more attacking change against bottom side Bolton, Parkinson added: “It is always a tough call. We had in our mind to make a couple more changes attacking wise, then Flanno (Flanagan) went down and we just decided to keep the same shape.
“It had got us into a lot of very good positions.
“I am not sure it was the shape of the team that cost us, it was that moment of real quality in and around the opposition box.”
