Sunderland midfielder Luke O’Nien has been used in a rotational role by Jack Ross since moving to the Stadium of Light.
O’Nien has only been used as a rotational option at Sunderland since he signed in the summer.
However, he was informed of Jack Ross’ plans to use him in the unfamiliar position of right-back against Walsall last week by Sunderland coach Jon Potter.
O’Nien knew that he had no experience of playing at right-back, but he held back that information from the Sunderland coach to ensure that he got a starting spot.
“Potts (coach Jon Potter) came up to me on the Monday and said, “Have you played right-back before?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve played right-back a few times… at Fifa!,” O’Nien said.
“In a game? I’m not sure I have, but I didn’t tell him that.
“But I’ve played there in training, I’ve watched people play there, I thought yes was the right answer and I picked it up fast. I learn fast. I had Flans (Tom Flanagan) next to me and he helped me out so I was more than happy to play there.”
Thankfully for O’Nien his performance at right-back was credible, but Sunderland were still knocked out of the FA Cup by Walsall.
The Black Cats lost 1-0 on the night, although O’Nien avoided much of the blame.
Sunderland went on to face Bristol Rovers at the weekend, but O’Nien was unable to keep his position in the team for that match.
The midfielder will now be hoping that he can make an impact on Saturday, when the Black Cats take on Portsmouth.
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