Sunderland will be hoping they can hold their nerve in the race for promotion from League One this term under the management of Lee Johnson. 

They're currently sat third in the League One table, but are just three points adrift of league-leaders Hull City, with Johnson's side having two matches in hand over the Tigers.

The Black Cats beat relegation-threatened Bristol Rovers in their most match, with Aiden O'Brien scoring the only goal of the game, on his return from an injury lay-off.

O'Brien has made 31 appearances for Sunderland, and has chipped in with six goals and two assists so far in all competitions.

Speaking in a recent interview (quotes sourced from Chronicle Live), O'Brien revealed an insight into his life working under Lee Johnson's management, before revealing that he's keen to cause defenders chaos alongside in-form Charlie Wyke heading into the final ten matches of this year's campaign.

"We've got a good bond, me and the manager. Not just him but Macca [Aiden McGeady] as well. I know what they want from me and that's key.

"It helps me as a player to understand exactly what I need to do when I go on the pitch and that's the relationship we have.

"It's kind of shown with me and Chaz [Wyke] up top, we know exactly what we need to do and we're causing defenders chaos. Hopefully we can keep doing that for the last ten games."

"We've got that fight now, as well as being a nice footballing team. We've got the balance, so ten games. I'm actually looking forward to it, bring it on."

O'Brien and his Sunderland team-mates are set to return to action on Good Friday, when they host play-off chasing Oxford United, in what could potentially be a tricky test for the Black Cats at the Stadium of Light.

 

 

The Verdict: 

They'll certainly cause defenders problems heading into the final few month's of this year's campaign.

O'Brien's return from an injury lay-off has come at the ideal time, with Sunderland in contention to win promotion back into the Championship whilst under the management of Lee Johnson.

The Irishman will be eager to retain his spot in the starting XI for the remainder of the season alongside Charlie Wyke in attack, and if they can both remain fit, then I really do think this is the season that the Black Cats will return to the second-tier.

It's good to hear O'Brien say that the Sunderland team have 'got that fight', as it's been missing at crucial times in recent seasons.