‘Seen enough’: Stephen Elliott thinks Sunderland made a ‘solid and energetic’ discovery last night

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Sunderland icon Stephen Elliott has waxed lyrical about Luke O’Nien’s display for the Black Cats last night.

The 37-year-old was impressed by O’Nien’s performance in central midfield, and thinks he could be a “solid and energetic addition” in that position going forward.

Since joining Sunderland in 2018, the versatile 26-year-old has played in virtually every position in midfield and defence.

In Tuesday night’s EFL Trophy win over MK Dons, Black Cats boss Lee Johnson opted to name O’Nien in central midfield, where he excelled.

He then showed his versatility when switched to left-back after Callum McFadzean went off, making a crucial block on the six yard box and throwing himself into several 50-50s.

And Elliott was thoroughly impressed, particularly with his cameo in the middle of the park:

Sunderland ran out 3-0 winners in Milton Keynes, with an early own-goal from home skipper Dean Lewington giving the Wearsiders the lead.

Aiden McGeady drilled home the second goal with a quarter-of-an-hour to go, and fellow sub Charlie Wyke put the result beyond doubt inside the final ten minutes with a header.

Sunderland are now in the semi-finals of the competition, alongside Oxford, Tranmere and Lincoln.