HE has previously suggested that his best position is in midfield, but Lee Johnson will have no concerns about having to extends Luke O’Nien’s spell as an emergency centre-half.

O’Nien has played here, there and everywhere during his Sunderland career, but eyebrows were still raised when the 26-year-old was repositioned to the heart of defence in the Papa John’s Trophy earlier this season.

He performed impressively though, so when Johnson suffered something of a defensive crisis earlier this month, with Bailey Wright, Tom Flanagan and Jordan Willis all ruled out through injury, O’Nien was quickly identified as a key part of a potential solution.

The ultimate utility man formed part of a three-man central-defensive unit with Conor McLaughlin and Dion Sanderson against Burton and Fleetwood, and is set to remain at the heart of the backline for today’s trip to Crewe Alexandra.

Flanagan’s possible return in Tuesday’s home game with Swindon might allow Johnson to restore O’Nien to midfield, but the Black Cats boss will not be alarmed if the current temporary arrangement has to remain in place for a little while longer.

“I think he could be the best utility player I’ve ever seen,” said Johnson. “I’ve still not see him at right-back, but he’s been outstanding at centre-half and was very good in an attacking-midfield role.

“What he does that impresses me so much is that he’s all-in. Every single action, he’s all-in. Even when he falls over, he falls over with passion and intensity! It’s credit to him and his professionalism, and he really epitomises what you want from the personality of your team.”

Sunderland have enjoyed a hugely successful fortnight, with the completion of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ takeover having been accompanied by a string of positive results on the pitch.

Sunderland (probable, 5-2-3): Burge; Gooch, McLaughlin, Sanderson, O’Nien, McFadzean; Power, Leadbitter; O’Brien, Wyke, McGeady.