Kevin Phillips believes keeping Luke O'Nien fit until the end of the season will be "really important" for Sunderland's promotion hopes. The Black Cats currently occupy the final League One play-off spot but know all that could change in the coming weeks.
Alex Neil's side could be dumped out of the play-off places by Sheffield Wednesday, who have a game in hand on the Black Cats. A draw would ultimately be enough to usurp the Wearsiders from their current position, due to the Owls superior goal difference.
The Wearsiders have been plagued by injuries once more this season, but a January collapse saw them wave goodbye to any automatic promotion hopes. That blunder cost Lee Johnson his job, but Neil has since steadied the ship and solidified Sunderland's defence.
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The Black Cats have been without last years talisman, Aiden McGeady for large parts of the campaign, while O'Nien himself has also missed a large chunk of the season. The duo played a key part in Sunderland's run to the play-offs last year and will be key in repeating that feat this time round.
Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said: “I was at the Fleetwood game and you could see the lift he gave to the players around him. The atmosphere changed when he came on and he obviously scored the goal as well.
“He is a player who can change the course of a game. It shouldn’t be that way but it is. Luke is a player who has drive and the right attitude. He demands more from those around him. To have his organisation and passion back is great to see.
“Let’s hope that they keep him fit for the rest of the season. It’s really important because he’s a massive player for Sunderland.”
