Grant Leadbitter is very appreciative of supportive messages from Sunderland and Middlesbrough fans

The 34-year-old has been granted a leave of absence by the Black Cats for personal reasons and posted an emotional message on Instagram last week.

"Grief is like an earthquake,” the post said. "The first one hits you, and the world falls apart.

"Even after you put the world together again, there are aftershocks, and you never really know when those will come."

Boro fans showed their support for Leadbitter during last week’s game against Luton and held up a banner which read: 'Tough times don't last, we're with you Grant’.

Supporters in Red Faction also chanted: “He's magic you know, just watch Leadbitter go."

Sunderland fans were also quick to send their well wishes to the midfielder and reacted by chanting Leadbitter’s name in the 23rd minute, reflecting his shirt number, during last Saturday’s win at Oxford.

Ahead of the Black Cats’ meeting with Bristol Rovers this weekend, Parkinson said: "I've been in touch with Grant this week and I know he is very appreciative of all the messages he has had from Sunderland and Middlesbrough fans.

"He has the full support of everybody at the club.

"He's under no pressure to come back until he is ready, until he feels right.

"The medical team said to me that he needs some time away and there's no time limit been put on that.