Former Chairboy Luke O'Nien is excited to return to Adams Park since leaving in the summer for Sunderland.

O'Nien has featured heavily at right-back in recent games and has earned rave reviews for his performances in an unfamiliar role.

Now, he returns as a real fan favourite already and admitted that although he is excited about returning to his former employers, he thinks it could be slightly surreal.

He said: "I am really excited about returning to Adams Park on Saturday and catching up with some familiar faces.

"They have kept the bulk of the squad from last season so I know a lot of the guys and it will be great to share the pitch with them.

"However, I have not faced a former club before so it could be quite weird but I am excited about it."

O'Nien has scored five goals from right-back having featured sparingly earlier on in the campaign.

The right-back berth became open after a bit of an injury crisis and after a meeting with manager Jack Ross, O'Nien is now enjoying his new found role.

He explained: "The gaffer came up to me and asked if I had played right-back before.

"I told him I had, although I had barely played there as I just wanted to contribute and knew I could do a job there.

"It is different from centre mid but after a few adjustments, I feel I am playing well in the role and am doing a decent job for the team."

He is already adored by the Black Cats faithful and has established himself as an integral part of the side for his swashbuckling displays.

O'Nien praised the supporters and everyone associated with the club for making him feel so welcome.

He said: "The transition took a while to get used to but I am really enjoying my time here.

"I took a while to get in but everyone has been so patient with me and the fans have been brilliant.

"The north east is a lovely part of the world and I am really enjoying my time with the club and we are playing really well at the moment."

O'Nien's former team-mate, Matt Bloomfield, is set to play his 500th game for Wanderers against Sunderland on Saturday and O'Nien was quick to pay a glowing tribute to Bloomfield.

He said: "He is such a good person and a good friend and I know he is there if I want to speak to him.

"He has had an incredible career and what a guy he is. He has always been good to me and given me advice.

"It will be fantastic to share a pitch with him on Saturday."