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Luke O’Nien featured for Sunderland U21s midweek as he continues his return from injury.
Sunderland youth prospect Archie Lightfoot has opened up on what it meant to walk out at the Stadium of Light last week - and the influence that club stalwart Luke O’Nien had on his display for Graeme Murty’s U21s.
The defender has made the step up from the U18s in recent weeks, and featured for Murty’s side in a 2-2 draw with Anderlecht in the Premier League International Cup last Wednesday.
That contest, held at the Stadium of Light, was also notable insofar that several first team talents were given valuable minutes - including O’Nien, who is still yet to feature for the first team following the shoulder injury that he sustained in May’s Championship play-off final.
And reflecting on his first ever outing at the Stadium of Light, Lightfoot was quick to hail the impact of having an experienced talent like O’Nien beside him at the back.
What did Sunderland starlet Archie Lightfoot say about Luke O’Nien?
Speaking to the club’s official media team, the teenager said: “It was a really good test for me and the lads, especially against a second-division side from Belgium. Obviously, we don’t really know what they’re going to be like, other than the few clips we watch pre-match, so it was a good challenge.
“Being one of the youngest players in the side means that most players are going to be a lot stronger and faster, but I just need to deal with it, go through clips and learn from it. Overall, though, it was really good for my experience and development.”
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Turning his attention to O’Nien, he continued: “Playing right next to Luke made me feel a lot calmer. He just talks you through the game, and it helps a lot really, especially as a scholar. He’s someone that the younger lads can look up to and aspire to be like, but overall, that experience was great. I’m really happy and grateful for the opportunities that I am getting, but I just need to keep going now and improving my performances.”
Reflecting on what it was like to walk out at the Stadium of Light, Lightfoot added: “I could feel the nerves as soon as we stepped out onto the pitch, but calmed down as soon as I got playing. It feels exciting to be able to play here; it’s where the first team play, and it was great to get a feel for what could come next. It’s a great experience to be able to play here, and I’ll hopefully be involved with the other three International Cup matches here.”
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