Jack Colback really deserves some credit and bar Seb Larsson has been Sunderland's stand performer this season.
The 22-year-old has kept hold of the shirt since he broke into the side towards the end of last season.
Now the midfielder is hoping to impress O'Neill and keep his place, starting with this weekend's home clash with Blackburn.
"I've made the step up to this level now and that's something I want to continue under the new manager," he told safc.com.
"Everyone is keen to try and please the manager and everyone is starting from scratch.
"I know I need to keep working hard and hopefully I'll catch his eye. It's strange to be having to impress all over again."
Colback continued: "It's a fresh start and we have to push on now and get some results because they haven't been good enough of late.
"Like everyone I'm trying to impress and make sure the manager picks me. I want to do well individually and, more importantly, help turn the team's fortunes around."
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