SUNDERLAND midfielder Luke O’Nien is back in training at the Academy of Light following successful surgery to fix a long standing shoulder problem.

O’Nien was ruled out for at least three months at the beginning of November with the Black Cats hopeful of a return to action in time for the business end of the season.

Following surgery at the beginning of November, O’Nien tweeted: “Grateful to the people that took great care of me.

“Be working hard as I can to go get back playing as soon as possible.”

The midfielder has struggling with the injury for a number of years and the club felt having surgery in the middle of the season would be more beneficial to the club in the long term.

Before his injury, the 27-year-old popular figure on Wearside was a regular feature in the Sunderland team making 22 appearances this season and scoring three goals.

O’Nien is currently on the long term absentee list alongside winger Aiden McGeady and striker Nathan Broadhead who are also both undergoing periods of rehabilitation for foot and hamstring injuries respectively.

The Black Cats return to League One action this weekend when they host Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light.