Phil Parkinson will wait until later this month before deciding whether to allow Ethan Robson to extend his loan spell at Grimsby Town.
Academy graduate Robson joined the League Two Mariners on deadline day in September on a deal that runs until January.
But there was always a possibility that the loan could be extended until the end of the season and, with Sunderland not short of cover in central midfield with Grant Leadbitter , Max Power , Luke O'Nien , George Dobson , Dylan McGeouch , and Chris Maguire all vying for places, Parkinson may be happy to leave Robson at Grimsby where he is likely to play more regularly.
A final decision will be taken closer to January, but Parkinson has been in touch with Robson this week to discuss the situation.
"I spoke to Ethan a couple of days ago on the phone, and had a good chat with him," said Parkinson.
"I haven't had a chance to see him play live yet, but we had him watched by our scouts the other week.
"I told him that we would make a decision [on his loan] closer to January, because we don't want to bring him back if he is not going to be involved - we want him to play games."
While Sunderland's schedule has meant that Parkinson has not yet had chance to run the rule over the 23-year-old in person, he has been kept informed about his progress.
He said: "I've spoken to Kevin Ball and the other staff several times about him and they have told me what he has to offer.
"He's a confident lad - I could tell that just from speaking to him - and he is enjoying his time at Grimsby and he is eager to play a part at his hometown club."
Robson has made 14 appearances in all competitions for Grimsby, scoring three goals.
His contract at Sunderland runs out at the end of the season, and his loan spell is seen as an opportunity for him to earn himself a new deal.
