Confidence high in Sunderland camp ahead of new season as Phil Parkinson eyes transfer breakthrough

Luke O’Nien believes Sunderland are in a good place ahead of the new season with confidence high in the squad.
Richard Mennear
By Richard Mennear
Published 31st Aug 2020, 16:20 BST
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The Black Cats head into Saturday’s Carabao Cup clash with Hull City on the back of three pre-season friendly wins against Gateshead, Carlisle United and Harrogate Town.

O’Nien, set to start the season in Phil Parkinson’s preferred 3-4-3 system, believes the squad contains the quality needed to mount a successful season, with Parkinson aiming to add further new signings over the coming weeks.

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“It was nice to get 90 minutes against Harrogate for a lot of the boys, we all feel good and feel fit,” said O’Nien.

Will Grigg scores the winner against Harrogate Town. Picture by Ian Horrocks.Will Grigg scores the winner against Harrogate Town. Picture by Ian Horrocks.
Will Grigg scores the winner against Harrogate Town. Picture by Ian Horrocks.

“We’re getting into the habit of winning now and it’s important to keep that going into the new season.

“It’s been good to see strikers hitting the back of the net and us defenders need to get into the habit of clean sheets.

“Whichever teams are going to be up there in the the new season will need goalscorers.

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“It’s been good to see the strikers among the goals and long may it continue,” he told the club website.

O’Nien added: “We’ve got a deep squad with quality left right and centre and we’ve got a good starting XI whatever team the manager picks.

“We’ve got a good week of training coming up to make sure we’re in the best condition against Hull this week.”

Sunderland were back in training at the Academy of Light on Monday ahead of a busy week of preparations. The League One season begins a week on Saturday with the visit of Bristol Rovers, with the EFL Trophy home game against Aston Villa’s Under-23s sandwiched in the middle of the Hull and Rovers games.

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As reported, the Black Cats are closing in on the signing of Arbenit Xhemajli, with a deal a possibility ahead of the weekend.

The Kosovan defender made a positive impression during a trial period, playing 45 minutes of the recent 3-1 friendly win over Gateshead.

Parkinson has been in the market all summer for a left-sided defender.

Meanwhile, free agent striker Danny Graham continues to train with the club, with Parkinson aiming to add another striker to his current options.

Related topics:Luke O'NienGatesheadSunderlandHarrogate TownHull City