Sunderland manager Jack Ross has suggested that the arrival of Conor McLaughlin may mean captain Luke O’Nien gets more opportunities further up the pitch this season.

A central midfielder by trade, O’Nien played the majority of last season at right-back and looked comfortable, scoring three goals and generating five assists from 29 starts in the position.

With Adam Matthews leaving the club in the summer, Ross needed to add reinforcements at right-back and by bringing in McLaughlin he has done exactly that.

The 27-year-old signed with the Black Cats after seeing his contract expire with Millwall.

There were calls from some fans for O’Nien to be pushed into midfield last season to allow him to have more influence and it appears they may get their wish.

Quoted by Chronicle Live, Ross suggested that the business this summer could allow for the Black Cats' captain to return to his preferred role.

He said: "First and foremost, right-back was a very obvious position that we needed to have as a priority to fill in our squad, with Adam [Matthews] leaving.

“Luke [O'Nien] did a terrific job in that position last year, but we know he still has attributes to offer further up the park. He'll get the chance to show that during the pre-season period.

"That made right-back a priority position for us and he was available for free having left Millwall, he's a proven player at not just League One level, but Championship too and he obviously has international experience too.

“I think there are many positives to have Conor part of the group and he's settled quickly and also has versatility in terms of the positions that he can play defensively and that will help us over the course of the season."

The Verdict

This is great news for Sunderland fans. O’Nien did a brilliant job filling at right-back last season and there may have been a worry that Ross would be considering keeping him there permanently.

The 24-year-old is one of the Black Cats’ best creative assets and finished with the second highest number of assists in the squad in the 2018/19 campaign, behind only Lynden Gooch.

The team could benefit by having him further up the pitch and it looks as though McLaughlin’s signing will give O'Nien that opportunity.

Following Lee Cattermole's exit, O'Nien has the chance to lock down a regular position in the centre of Ross’ midfield.