Wright discusses tactical changes and praises O’Nien’s adaptability

Bailey Wright has praised Luke O’Nien’s character and adaptability after his Sunderland team-mate changed positions against Ipswich.

O’Nien has predomintely played in central midfield this season but started at leftback after Dennis Cirkin was ruled out with a hernia injury –whichwillkeepthedefender sidelined until January.

Afteranunconvincingperformance from Sunderland,

O’Nien showed his value by scoring the opening goal five minutes from time when he headedhomeAlexPritchard’s corner.

It was a crucial goal for the Black Cats as Lee Johnson’s side ran out 2-0 winners and endedathree-gamelosingrun in League One.

“That’s the beauty of Luke, he’s a good footballer and honest lad who can play multiple positions,” Wright said .

“He’ll do a job for the team and I don’t think you will ever hear a word out of his mouth that he is ever playing out of position,hewillneversaythat.

“I think he just takes on the challenge and that’s a credit to him because I thought he did well and got his goal.

“Me and him had an interesting discussion at the setpiece, had a little dig at each otherandhescoredsowewere both buzzing for each other.

“I think that is where, we talk about honesty with each other, you always want to see your mate do well.

“His adaptability has been massive for Sunderland over the last couple of seasons.”

O’Nien’s goal marked a reward for the work Sunderland have done on the training pitches at the Academy of Light, with assistant Jamie McAllister often leading the set-piece drills.

“Wedoalotofwork.Alotof work goes into set-pieces and it’s paid off,” added Wright.

“Not only will us lads be buzzing, but Macca who is heavilyinvolvedwithset-pieces will be too.

"I think more than anythingwearebuzzingwithour clean sheet because we needed it and deserved it.”

In open play, Wright admits Sunderland have been forced to adapt their style in recent weeks following heavy defeats against Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday in League One.

Johnson encourages his side to play out from the back and show composure in possession, yet the Black Cats have struggled against sides who have played with physical strikers and pressed high up the pitch.