Martin O’Neill wasn’t too disappointed by Sunderland 1-0 defeat from Seongnam in the Peace Cup in South Korea.
The former Celtic boss has never been a great enthusiast for pre-season or friendly matches with his thoughts channeled towards the opening Premiership game away to Arsenal on August 18.
Carlos Cuellar made his debut after switching from Aston Villa during the summer with a goal on the half hour from Brazilian striker Santos separating the two sides.
“The opposition were fitter, faster and fresher but there were some decent things in the game alongside some disappointing ones,” the Sunderland boss admitted.
“The biggest disappointment was losing the game. We would have liked to have been contesting the final on Sunday and that is a shame.
“We had some good spells and hit the woodwork three times. Maybe when I analyse it tomorrow I will take the lack of fitness into consideration.
“Sometimes during the course of games there are disappointments. We gave the ball away very cheaply when we had it and when there was no need to give it away.
“That’s something we can certainly work on between now and the start of the season.”
Hamburg and Groningen will meet tomorrow in the other tie in the four team tournament with Sunderland meeting the losers in Sunday’s third place play-off.
O’Neill is notorious for his reluctance to do business early in the transfer window but has been credited with an interest in Blackpools Scotland internationalist Matt Philips.
Everton and Wigan are also looking at the 21-year-old but Blackpool are keen to hang on to the winger.
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God bless St Martin! A true Celtic legend who has gone down in history as a Celtic great! You will never be forgotten for what you achieved with the club!
HH!!
All Hail Martin! Hh!