O´Neill calls for Ji to toughen up

Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill believes striker Ji Dong-Won must improve physically in order to compete in the English Premier League.

O’Neill was speaking after Sunderland’s 3-2 victory over Dutch side FC Groningen in a friendly, a comeback win due in large part due to the efforts of young substitute Ryan Noble following a 13-minute cameo.

“Ryan Noble has gained valuable experience last season, and (Connor) Wickham scored a goal today, showing his true ability,” O’Neill told reporters.

“Ji Dong-Won is technically great but still has to become stronger physically. It’s still quite early in the pre-season so it is hard to evaluate each player now.”

O’Neill also praised the spirit of his side after they recovered from going 2-1 down to earn the victory in the closing minutes of the game.

He added: “Today we had an interesting match.

“We showed great spirit, turning the game around at the last minute.

“Moreover, we had some young players with more experienced ones and they showed good balance.”

Sunderland’s victory was thanks to goals from Connor Wickham, Frazier Campbell and a last-minute wonder strike from Noble, although defenders Wes Brown and Carlos Cuellar both had to be replaced in the first half due to injuries.

O’Neill’s side face a trip away to Hartlepool United for their next pre-season friendly on Friday.