Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill declares Ji Dong-Won a required player after loan approaches from foreign clubs

The South Korea international has been mostly used off the bench since moving to the Stadium of Light but the Black Cats boss says he isn't thinking about loaning him out

22 Jan 2012 10:06:00

By Ben Somerford

More On :  Sunderland, Dong-Won Ji
Ji Dong-Won, Sunderland
Getty Images
“We’ve had a few phone calls from clubs abroad that would like to take Ji on loan, but we’ve knocked them back.
“The fact is, we can’t afford to lose any of our squad at the moment, but besides that, Ji is a player who has done well for us.
“The lad has talent, but he’s just come over here and is still learning the game. We want to see how he progresses and develops.
“Apart from that, he’s just scored one of the most important goals that I can remember – that amazing last-minute winner against Man City and making himself an instant hero in the eyes of the fans – and myself – in the process.”
Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill has revealed that South Korea international Ji Dong-Won has attracted interest from abroad during January, but insists he's a required man at the Wearside club.
Don't Miss

The 20-year-old, who scored the winner for Sunderland in their memorable 1-0 win over Premier League leaders Manchester City earlier this month, has only made one start for the club since joining from Chunnam Dragons in the summer.

However, Ji has been a regular off the bench for the Black Cats and O'Neill told The Sunderland Echo that he'd knocked back interest from clubs keen to take him on loan as he wanted to keep "the talent" at the Stadium of Light.

“We’ve had a few phone calls from clubs abroad that would like to take Ji on loan, but we’ve knocked them back," O'Neill said.

“The fact is, we can’t afford to lose any of our squad at the moment, but besides that, Ji is a player who has done well for us.

“The lad has talent, but he’s just come over here and is still learning the game. We want to see how he progresses and develops.

“Apart from that, he’s just scored one of the most important goals that I can remember – that amazing last-minute winner against Man City - and making himself an instant hero in the eyes of the fans and myself in the process.”

O'Neill didn't disclose which clubs had enquired about Ji, but prior to his move to Sunderland, the South Korean had reportedly attracted interest from Schalke and PSV Eindhoven.

How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line

    England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012

  2. In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012 In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012

    The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament

  3. The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution

    The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market

  4. Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job

    The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday

  5. Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms Rodgers ushers in new Anfield era on his own terms

    The Northern Irishman inevitably expressed his delight at landing the Reds job but evidenced plenty of the steely resolve which could see him become a success at Anfield