Sunderland surge surprises O´Neill

Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has admitted his surprise at the club’s progression since his arrival.

O’Neill’s side lie eighth in the table and have picked up 30 points from 22 matches in the Premier League this season, despite finding themselves in the relegation zone just two months ago.

The club have also won seven of their 11 games since the arrival of the former Aston Villa boss in December, losing only twice in the process.

O’Neill told reporters: “Naturally, I am delighted for the points we have accumulated, and it’s far more than we could ever have imagined and ever have expected at this stage.”

“I am also mindful of the fact that we have a distance to go to make sure we get those extra points on the board, and while the eighth position seems pretty decent, it is not something I have always concerned myself about.”

“You just try to keep the momentum going, which will be important because if you lose it, then you don’t know where it comes from again.”

He added: “I remember saying to you here way back some weeks ago, the first ambition of mine was to try to get level points from the number of games we had played.”

“That was the first thought so it would give you a little bit of respite, you would need that on the board, and then eventually, you would look to go past that.”

“We were able to achieve that and then obviously, the winning of the games gives the players the confidence and self-belief to go on.”

“Winning football matches is the be all and end all.”

O’Neill also praised the impact of the returning Fraizer Campbell from injury, but concedes he still needs to be wary over the player’s fitness.

He said: “It’s gone very well, but of course, we are looking at a game and a half.”

“I am very pleased with him – I am pleased he has got on the field of play.”

“I’m obviously delighted he has made such an impact, but to ask him now to go and continue that there.”

“I am sure he thinks there’s no reason why he can’t do, but I am just careful, genuinely careful, about trying to keep him fit now at this moment.”