'So proud': Luke O'Nien sends Dan Neil message as Sunderland midfielder nears emotional exit
The Sunderland midfielder looks increasingly likely to leave the club this month
Luke O'Nien has praised Dan Neil's dedication behind the scenes this season as he appears to move closer to a Sunderland exit.
Neil has struggled for regular game time this season following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League, and was absent from the squad entirely as the Black Cats fell to a 3-1 defeat at West Ham United. Régis Le Bris confirmed afterwards that a move could be set to accelerate in the next few days, with Ipswich Town the latest club to enter the race as they begin to build a head of steam in the push for promotion back to the top tier. Neil had a minor muscle issue this week and it's understood he was left out to avoid any unnecessary risk.
O'Nien has himself found regular minutes hard to come by, with few of those who helped Sunderland win promotion starting regularly so far this season. The club captain said Neil could be proud of his efforts in a difficult period and spoke of his pride at watching Neil helped lead his boyhood club to two promotions.
"I think everybody wants to play," O'Nien said.
"There's only 11 spots, it's competitive. I just try to be a good teammate, the same things I did in League One but hopefully a better version of myself.
"The ones that aren't playing, they set the culture at the football club. You can argue it's not going for them at the minute, the same with me, I'm not playing, but for the people who aren't playing every minute, they're the ones who set the tone. So when they're on their recovery day tomorrow, how hard are they training? I always say these guys have done so well. I'm so proud of them. They keep pushing the standards. Those guys are the reason we got promoted last season. And when you see Dan Neil pushing the starters as hard as he can. He's supported this club since day one, think of how much he's given this club, it's been one of my proudest things seeing his journey.
"On paper it's not going for him and he's not playing, but I'm so proud of how hard he's trained every day. I wish people from the outside could see how important he's been in driving the standards. Him, Simon Moore, Leo, young lads who don't travel but train so well every day.
"I wish everyone could see it. I'm so proud of them."
Sheffield United, Rangers and West Ham United have all also had an interest in Neil.
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Le Bris issues Granit Xhaka injury update
Speaking after Sunderland's loss at the London Stadium, Le Bris confirmed that Xhaka would absent for at least the upcoming Burnley fixture.
Le Bris said: "He has an ankle injury, so he'll need at least two weeks to recover and then we'll have another assessment to set the real period of rest, so we'll see."