Luke O’Nien hails Simon Moore as Sunderland trigger one-year extension | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Sunderland have triggered a one-year extension for 36-year-old goalkeeper Simon Moore, with Luke O’Nien praising his influence behind the scenes.

Moore has not been a regular starter since signing, yet he is highly regarded in the dressing room for his standards, experience and ability to set the tone.

The extension keeps the former Coventry City, Sheffield United and Cardiff City keeper at the Stadium of Light as the Black Cats prepare for a Premier League and European campaign next season.

O’Nien stressed that contribution is not defined by minutes, citing Moore as one of the team’s most important cogs who drives culture and connects the group. He revealed he kept Moore’s shirt in his locker all season as a personal reminder to improve and emulate the veteran.

Moore provided experienced cover alongside Robin Roefs, Melker Ellborg and Anthony Patterson last term, making only a handful of appearances, but his presence carried obvious weight in a young group under Le Bris.

"Honestly, he's so good," O’Nien said after Sunderland sealed Europa League qualification against Chelsea on the final day of the Premier League season. He added that Moore’s daily influence is hard to quantify and recalled the pair sharing selfies when they celebrated the achievement.

Source: Sunderland Echo