Luke O’Nien joined Sunderland from Wycombe Wanderers in the summer.
Sunderland travel to Shrewsbury this weekend in an important tie for Jack Ross’ side, but injuries and suspensions continue to blight the Black Cats’ squad.
Several youngsters and fringe players will be chomping at the bit to fill the void left by the likes of the suspended duo of Max Power and Bryan Oviedo.
And nobody will be desperate for their chance more than summer arrival Luke O’Nien, who will be looking to get his shot in central midfield alongside Lee Cattermole.
The former Wycombe Wanderers midfielder arrived on Wearside with plenty of promise, but after only featuring for a combined total of 69 minutes in League One, things haven’t quite worked out how he’d have liked.
O’Nien bagged eight goals and four assists when he helped Wycombe get out of League Two last term, suggesting the 24-year-old has a lot to give in red and white this season.
And with Ross’ side travelling to New Meadow this weekend with a few ongoing injury woes, it could be the perfect time for O’Nien to feature.
The game on Saturday is one the away side are expected to win against a struggling team, but away from home the pressure is lessened and this could only benefit O’Nien in the long run.
The man from Hemel Hempstead has often looked like a rabbit in headlights when he has came on as a substitute in matches, but the midfielder is more than deserving of a chance to shine.
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