Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips has backed summer signing Aiden O'Brien to come good for the Black Cats despite his slow start.

The Irishman joined the Wearside outfit on a free transfer having featured regularly for Millwall in the Championship over the years.

Despite that, he is yet to get off the mark for Sunderland and the 27-year-old has lost his place in the starting XI in recent weeks, although he has still played a part in every game.

And, speaking to Football Insider, Phillips explained why O'Brien needs time and he backed the player to make a mark on Phil Parkinson's promotion push.

"It takes time for players to settle into this league. Look at Will Grigg I thought he would eat this league up easily but he’s found it very, very difficult.

"It might just be a similar case. He’s a younger player and I think he will come good. I think he’s probably just being managed properly at the minute and it’s paying off at the minute because Sunderland are getting results so you cannot argue with it."

O'Brien is likely to start on the bench as Sunderland host Portsmouth.

The verdict

As Phillips says, Sunderland are getting results and they look very strong, so O'Brien is going to have to be patient.

However, he's clearly a talented player for this level and he will be given chances in the coming games to make his mark and given his pedigree there should be no doubting his ability for League One.

So, it's down to O'Brien to prove that he deserves to get into the XI but there is fierce competition for places which is a good thing.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.