LUKE O'Nien took the opportunity to sit down and talk Sunderland with "incredible" Niall Quinn last week.

The club's former striker, manager and chairman has been back on Wearside and was a special guest at the Stadium of Light for Saturday's 2-1 win over Norwich City.

O'Nien was obviously well aware of all Quinn has done for Sunderland on and off the pitch in the past but had never had the chance for an in-depth sit-down with the Irishman until last week.

"He’s incredible, I know the history and what he’s done not just for this football club but the area and I spent a good hour with him, just speaking to him and we’re going to connect in the new year," said O'Nien.

"He does a lot of work in America and in mentoring, and I’m strong on that side of it, so there may be an overlap in what we do to mentor and help develop players. I really enjoyed my time with him, he’s incredible.

"I’d never really spoken with him before, that was our longest conversation. He’s a very busy man and when he comes to the club everyone wants to talk to Quinny, so it’s the most amount of time I’ve been able to spend with him and it was really nice.

"He came and watched training and I tried my best to finish like him but he probably wasn’t impressed. He’s a great man who has done an incredible amount for the club and he’s having a huge impact now in mentoring."

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Quinn watched on as Sunderland extended their unbeaten stretch to four Championship games and kept pace at the top with their come from behind victory over Norwich.

It was the start of a busy and crucial spell for the Black Cats, who head to Blackburn on Boxing Day.

O'Nien said: "It is important we keep moving forward as a team, even when we don’t play well. We have built momentum at home and have to keep that going.

"You want these games to keep coming. It gives us a chance to do what you love very regularly. This will be a good test for the squad and players who haven’t played as many minutes and a good time for them to step forward.

"I’m proud of the team, we are going to need everybody over the next few weeks. The team will be needed at different stages, every player in the dressing room is important."