Sunderland booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup over the weekend

Régis Le Bris praised Luke O'Nien for his stellar return to the Sunderland starting XI in the FA Cup third round at Everton.

O'Nien bounced back from the disappointment of his red card at Manchester City in early December by playing all 120 minutes in the tie, going on to score the winning penalty as the Black Cats booked their place in the fourth round. O'Nien still faces a tough task forcing his way into the starting XI on a more regular basis given the sheer strength and volume of options available to Le Bris, but it was a timely reminder of the experienced campaigner's abilities.

The Sunderland head coach said he was pleased but not all surprised.

"The competition is really high in that part of the pitch," Le Bris said.

"He did really well today. I'm really pleased for him and for the squad as well because this part of the defence was exposed with direct play and really strong strikers. It was really impressive [how they managed that] and how they managed counter-attacks. On the ball he was really composed as well. I'm happy for him.

"I'm not surprised as well because I know him now after one season and a half - He's a good, strong club captain. He's always available for the squad, for his teammates, even when he doesn't play. Today he showed great things."

O’Nien could be in line for another opportunity in the fourth round of the competition next month, with Sunderland having been drawn away at Championship side Oxford United. The tie is due to be played in the weekend beginning February 13th.

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Luke O'Nien's clear message on Sunderland future

O'Nien's limited game time this season had led to some speculation about a possible January exit, but speaking after the win over Everton, the defender told The Echo that he no intention of leaving the club and that he was still loving life on Wearside.

"I am going absolutely nowhere, so yeah, I’m staying at Sunderland," O'Nien said.

“Someone told me that (there were links), apparently, I’m not on social media. I delete it when I’m not using it, so I’m at home with the kids, so someone’s told me I’m linked with x, y and z and asking if something’s really true. I’ll be staying here unless someone’s trying to kick me out, even then I’ll still probably stay. I’m listening to the club, and I’ve got to keep getting better. I’ve got to keep pushing the people in front of me, and I’m really enjoying my life.

"Throughout the game today, I was looking to the players on the bench, looking for any advice going, and we’re all just here trying to push in the same direction and success in different positions looks different. Sometimes it’s conversations away from the park, sometimes it’s driving training sessions on Sundays. I know how successful this group is because on Sundays, there’s a group that trains on Sundays and the intensity’s high and the quality’s high. That’s not always easy to do when there’s not minutes so you know that is the culture of the club the people that aren’t playing and we’ve got some really good human beings."

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