Sunderland signed Luke O’Nien earlier in the summer.
Sunderland grabbed a huge win against Barnsley on Tuesday evening at the Stadium of Light, cementing their place in second in League One.
Summer arrival Luke O’Nien was the player who grabbed the decisive goal and the former Wycombe Wanderers man has looked brilliant as of late.
His impact hasn’t gone unnoticed by manager Jack Ross and in an interview with the Sunderland Echo, the Scot said he is ‘really pleased’ with the contribution his player is making at the moment.
When speaking about the impact O’Nien has made lately, Ross said: “I don’t see him as an impact sub, far from it. We have had to manage him in a way he feels ever more comfortable in the environment.
“Really pleased for him that he is making that contribution, he is a happy young man.
“There are areas to improve on but he has a brilliant attitude and quality and he is a very good finisher, his desire to get in the box from the midfield position.”
The midfielder started the game against Barnsley on the bench, replacing goalscorer Josh Maja in the 59th minute.
The 24-year-old has made the most of his chances from the bench this term, but his big goal on Tuesday night, as well as his impressive recent performances, have made him a real potential starter going forward.
The Black Cats travel to the Bescot Stadium for the second week running to play Walsall in the FA Cup this weekend and the game is arguably the perfect time for Ross to give O’Nien a start – but it’ll be up to the player to stake his claim from then on in.
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