O’Nien has ‘heart of lion’ after Sunderland Podcast reveal – Phillips
Kevin Phillips has heaped praise on Luke O’Nien after it was revealed the midfielder is playing through injury for Sunderland.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend claimed the 26-year-old has “the heart of a lion” and would “run through brick walls” for the club.
O’Nien made his 15th appearance of the season on Saturday as Lee Johnson’s side lost 1-0 at home to Charlton Athletic.
Speaking on The Roar podcast (October 21st), James Copley revealed the Englishman is currently playing through the pain.
The Sunderland Echo journalist claimed O’Nien has a shoulder problem that could do with surgery.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his thoughts on the injury, Phillips said: “That kid would play with a broken shoulder.
“He has the heart of lion. He would run through brick walls for Sunderland football club.
“I imagine the kid will be saying he doesn’t want anything done right now. He looks as if he is really enjoying his football.
“If it gets to a point where it could damage him moving forward then I’m sure they’ll do something about it. If the medical department can hold off until the end of the season then I’m sure they will do that.
“They must make sure it is not to the detriment of the kid’s career though. Hopefully, for his sake and Sunderland’s it is not a major issue.”
In other news, Kevin Phillips has claimed Sunderland suffered from a major development against Charlton on Saturday.