The Sunderland defender made his first appearance of the season against the Premier League champions this week

Luke O'Nien says he will 'always be proud' of his role in Sunderland's rebuild after making his Premier League debut at Anfield on Wednesday night.

O'Nien was introduced a late substitute as the Black Cats drew 1-1 with Liverpool, his first appearance for the club since suffering a dislocated shoulder in the play-off final against Sheffield United. The 31-year-old joined the club in the aftermath of their relegation to League One, and was a regular in their two promotions back to the top tier.

O'Nien spoke of his emotion in a social media post, but insisted he is determined to push for more opportunities in the weeks and months ahead.

"Last night, one of my dreams came true," O'Nien said.

"For years, I’ve dreamed about playing in the Premier League. Some people laughed at me. Some coaches I had when I was little said I’d never make it. Lots of people told me I wasn’t good enough and to give up. But I’ve always held onto that dream of playing at the highest level. Deep down I believed that if I just kept working, kept learning, kept showing up every single day, then one day it might happen.

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"Last night, that dream that 4 year old me had….came true. And if you’d told me I’d make my debut at left wing, up against my mate Mo Salah, I’d have laughed as well. From non league in 2014, to being released by Watford in 2015… there were moments where it felt like this day might never come.

"Sunderland, you’ve been my home for seven years. I never knew I could fall in love with a club, a city, and its people the way I have. You’ve given me space to grow, to fail, to learn, and to find out who I am as a player and a person. To play even a small part in rebuilding this beautiful club and helping it climb back to where it belongs is something I’ll always be proud of.

"Making my Premier League debut… I’m incredibly grateful. Taking a moment afterwards to stand with my mum and dad and breathe it all in… that was special.

"But that debut chapter is written now. The focus is on pushing on, improving, growing, and helping drive this club forward with this unbelievable group of players. Seven years ago we were in League One. Fast forward to last night and we have a team giving everything, disappointed to only get one point against the Premier League champions. If that’s not a moment to stop, reflect, and feel proud, I don’t know what is.

"Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey; my family, my friends, the staff, the supporters, and my teammates. It’s just the beginning."

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