Luke O’Nien speaks out on promotion to the Championship at Sunderland

Luke O’Nien has been a shining light in a very difficult four seasons in League One for Sunderland.

The combative central midfielder shook off an extended injury lay-up to earn his place back in the side in the second half of the season, with his efforts rewarded with a 2-0 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in the play-off final.

The 27-year-old has not played in the Championship since the 2013/14 season and will be ready to fight to keep his place under Alex Neil in the second tier.

O’Nien took to Twitter to express his emotions after making the long awaited step up the pyramid.

He wrote: “This picture couldn’t sum up what promotion meant with this great club!

“Losing 2 times at Wembley.

“Surgery. 3 years falling short of promotion.

“3 years of weight was lifted in that moment the full-time whistle went.

“Incredible feeling that will last forever in my memory.”

This picture couldn’t sum up what promotion meant with this great club!

Losing 2 times at Wembley. Surgery. 3 years falling short of promotion.

3 years of weight was lifted in that moment the full-time whistle went.

Incredible feeling that will last forever in my memory