SUNDERLAND boss Martin O’Neill has expressed his admiration of Fraizer Campbell’s commitment ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup tie at home to Arsenal.

The striker has been in impressive form since his recent return back from an 18-month injury spell on the sidelines.

However, the former Manchester United man was in unchartered territory when the Gunners arrived at the Stadium of Light for a Premier league fixture, a game they won 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Thierry Henry goal.

With many expecting to see Campbell up front as the main striker against the Londoners, it was an eye-opener to see him operating on the right wing – a job which he did well.

O’Neill stated that was because he did not want Arsenal to overrun Sunderland through the midfield, given the fact the Black Cats had just endured a strenuous cup tie at Middlesbrough.

Plus, his Sunderland side had to contend with the heavy Stadium of Light pitch, sapping the team’s energy as the game wore on.

O’Neill said: “I am delighted with Fraizer. He has played on the right before and had an impact.

“He was really tired, as they all were. We will try and fight back. It was disappointing to lose.

“I did not want to get outnumbered in the middle of the pitch early on. Arsenal are a very fine side who kept the ball well.

“Eventually that will stand us in good stead. We had to play without the ball for long periods.

“When we improve we will master the game and conditions. The pitch is very heavy and energy sapping at the moment.

“Overall, when we got that extra energy we took the game to them but it wasn’t to be.

“You can learn from this for next week.” Sunderland announced yesterday youngster Louis Laing has extended his loan deal with League One side Wycombe until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old has impressed Chairboys boss Gary Waddock during his initial spell at Adams Park and has made four appearances so far.

Wanderers have won two and lost two of those games, including a 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane last weekend.