Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill insists Ji Dong-won can still have a future on Wearside.

Ji has struggled since scoring the winner against Manchester City last season.

"It's been tough for him," admitted the Sunderland boss. "Maybe he thought that goal would be lift-off time but he has found it difficult to cope with the physical aspects.

"I have to realise how young and how far away from home he is, but I hope he has the makings of a player. If there was a possibility of a loan spell I will give it some consideration."