Dennis Cirkin has taken to social media to express his delight at scoring the equaliser for Millwall at Sunderland. The defender headed the Black Cats back on level terms ten minutes from time at The Den, securing a point in a 1-1 draw.
However, he took a fist in the face from Millwall keeper George Long for his troubles, with Mowbray revealing that Cirkin was knocked unconscious for a spell and was substituted with concussion, meaning he must now sit out Wednesday's FA Cup fourth-round replay against Fulham at the Stadium of Light as part of the protocols that govern head injuries in football.
The defender could return for the Black Cats clash with Reading next weekend, if he recovers well. Taking to social media, Cirkin said: “Felt good to be back out there yesterday and help the team.”
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The defender had only been on the pitch for 15 minutes having made his long awaited return from a hip injury. Mowbray was pleased to see the defender's bravery, but revealed he'll miss the FA Cup replay.
"Dennis is concussed," said Mowbray. "He was out cold on the pitch for a while. He's now awake, he's not necessarily sure whether he scored or not - we told him he has! Dennis is a brave lad, it's not the first time he has scored a headed goal for us in a tight, congested, six-yard box this season.
"Dennis will have some sort of concussion stuff to deal with now. He'll obviously miss Wednesday's cup replay against Fulham - I'm not sure exactly how many days he will be out, it depends on certain tests and what the doc says, but he might be all right for next weekend, we'll wait and see."
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- Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray on Dennis Cirkin's bravery and how it will cost him an FA Cup outing
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