Tony Mowbray is convinced Luke O'Nien has the drive to become a Premier League player - insisting he has never managed a 'better human being' than the Sunderland man. O'Nien has been a favourite of successive Black Cats' managers and head coaches in his four-and-a-half years on Wearside who have valued him not only for his ability, but also for his versatility and willingness to play in any role required.
And the 28-year-old has also established himself as a fan favourite for his hard work and attitude both on and off the pitch. It is that character that Mowbray is referring to when he talks of O'Nien's qualities as a human being, but it is his determination to improve as a footballer that has convinced him that the former Wycombe Wanderers man has what it takes to play in the top flight, revealing that he 'overworks' the coaches at the Academy of Light.
"Luke O'Nien - there are people here who know him better than I do, but what I would say is that I don't think I've ever managed a better human being than Luke O'Nien," said Mowbray, following yesterday's 2-1 win against Blackburn Rovers at the Stadium of Light. "He just does everything right, he is an amazing guy.
