Post by Les on Mar 9, 2019 10:31:06 GMT
www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/luke-onien-taking-time-settle-15943233
Luke O'Nien on taking time to settle at Sunderland and why he's loving it now
Luke O'Nien (Image: Sunderland AFC)
Luke O'Nien admits he made a slow start at Sunderland as he struggled to adapt to life at the club, but admits he's grateful to fans for remaining patient and sticking by him.
After signing for the club from Wycombe Wanderers in the summer, it was always likely to be a big step up for the 24-year-old and after starting the opening game against Charlton, he then had to wait until the December 22 defeat to Portsmouth for his next league start.
And even then, that side came in an unfamiliar right-back role which O'Nien has since gone on to cement as his own.
And ahead of his return to Wycombe on Saturday, O'Nien spoke candidly with Bucks Free Press about his early struggles and subsequent successes at the Stadium of Light.
He said: "The transition took a while to get used to but I am really enjoying my time here.
"I took a while to get in but everyone has been so patient with me and the fans have been brilliant.
"The north east is a lovely part of the world and I am really enjoying my time with the club and we are playing really well at the moment.
"The gaffer came up to me and asked if I had played right-back before.
"I told him I had, although I had barely played there as I just wanted to contribute and knew I could do a job there.
"It is different from centre mid but after a few adjustments, I feel I am playing well in the role and am doing a decent job for the team."
Decent is an understatement when describing O'Nien's influence and he was voted supporters' player of the month in January.
Providing goals and assists from full-back has made the popular player a more than useful asset to Jack Ross, who has been unable to find a place in his team for Wales international Adam Matthews since his return from injury as a result. Matthews eventually returned to action on Tuesday, helping Sunderland reach Wembley, but only from the left side of defence, with O'Nien not surrendering his place in the team.
He'll no doubt be hoping to retain that throughout this month so he can start the Checkatrade Trophy final, but for now a return to his former side Wycombe is next on the agenda.
It's something O'Nien is looking forward to.
"I am really excited about returning to Adams Park on Saturday and catching up with some familiar faces," he continued.
"They have kept the bulk of the squad from last season so I know a lot of the guys and it will be great to share the pitch with them.
"However, I have not faced a former club before so it could be quite weird but I am excited about it."
Luke O'Nien on taking time to settle at Sunderland and why he's loving it now
Luke O'Nien (Image: Sunderland AFC)
Luke O'Nien admits he made a slow start at Sunderland as he struggled to adapt to life at the club, but admits he's grateful to fans for remaining patient and sticking by him.
After signing for the club from Wycombe Wanderers in the summer, it was always likely to be a big step up for the 24-year-old and after starting the opening game against Charlton, he then had to wait until the December 22 defeat to Portsmouth for his next league start.
And even then, that side came in an unfamiliar right-back role which O'Nien has since gone on to cement as his own.
And ahead of his return to Wycombe on Saturday, O'Nien spoke candidly with Bucks Free Press about his early struggles and subsequent successes at the Stadium of Light.
He said: "The transition took a while to get used to but I am really enjoying my time here.
"I took a while to get in but everyone has been so patient with me and the fans have been brilliant.
"The north east is a lovely part of the world and I am really enjoying my time with the club and we are playing really well at the moment.
"The gaffer came up to me and asked if I had played right-back before.
"I told him I had, although I had barely played there as I just wanted to contribute and knew I could do a job there.
"It is different from centre mid but after a few adjustments, I feel I am playing well in the role and am doing a decent job for the team."
Decent is an understatement when describing O'Nien's influence and he was voted supporters' player of the month in January.
Providing goals and assists from full-back has made the popular player a more than useful asset to Jack Ross, who has been unable to find a place in his team for Wales international Adam Matthews since his return from injury as a result. Matthews eventually returned to action on Tuesday, helping Sunderland reach Wembley, but only from the left side of defence, with O'Nien not surrendering his place in the team.
He'll no doubt be hoping to retain that throughout this month so he can start the Checkatrade Trophy final, but for now a return to his former side Wycombe is next on the agenda.
It's something O'Nien is looking forward to.
"I am really excited about returning to Adams Park on Saturday and catching up with some familiar faces," he continued.
"They have kept the bulk of the squad from last season so I know a lot of the guys and it will be great to share the pitch with them.
"However, I have not faced a former club before so it could be quite weird but I am excited about it."
