For Sunderland in the Championship, Luke O’Nien remains crucial both on and off the pitch. Dennis Cirkin has expressed gratitude to Luke O’Nien for his assistance during the injury-plagued 2023–24 campaign.
After sustaining many injuries that kept him out of action for the majority of the season under Tony Mowbray, Michael Beale, and subsequently Mike Dodds, the former Tottenham player only made eight appearances in the Championship last season for Sunderland.
Since taking over last summer, the 22-year-old has returned to full fitness and started every league game under new head coach Régis Le Bris. After last season’s injury problems, Cirkin scored a fantastic goal against Coventry City and was quick to praise club captain O’Nien for his emotional support.
When questioned about his injury issues during the 2023–24 season, Cirkin responded, “I think you just find a way to cope.” In particular, I won’t have any answers because I’m still a young person. I believe that I simply learnt as I went along, experiencing highs and lows and learning in many ways.
“I am surrounded by excellent individuals. I would like to express my gratitude to Luke, who is a truly wonderful man. The impact he has on the team, the players, and everyone else in the organisation is so underappreciated. He is a great character that helps everyone in the dressing room.
Cirkin quipped that O’Nien had been interrogating the Special Air Service following their recent visit to the Academy of Light when he was questioned further about Sunderland’s club captain. Cirkin jokingly said, “I’m sure you can ask the SAS guys yesterday.” “They entered. I believe he held them for a couple of hours.
In reference to his injury problems during the 2023–24 season, Cirkin continued, “On a personal level, sometimes I think about it and it’s just surreal to me.” “I’m trying my hardest to stay fit this season after having three reoccurring injuries for a whole season, which was a gloomy period.
“At the end of the day, I’m simply having fun, and I believe that’s what matters most—enjoying the challenges, the highs, and the lows. Cirkin said after the Coventry City game, “I think I thrive off the pressure, off the challenges.”
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