Sunderland midfielder Luke O'Nien says he will learn from his mistake which led to Chris Mepham being sent off in the Black Cats' 1-0 defeat by Sheffield United.

A loose pass from O'Nien inside his own half was seized on by Blades striker Tyrese Campbell and he was brought down just outside the box by Wales defender Mepham, who was given a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

"Listen, I put my hands up for Mephs getting sent off," O'Nien told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I just got caught in the middle there and, like all mistakes I've made throughout my career, I will watch it back, learn from it and get better.

"We'll do that collectively and individually and that's why, as a team, we've moved forward over the last four years."

The Black Cats had started the match much the better of the two sides and although Blades defender Harry Souttar also received his marching orders just before half-time, Mepham's dismissal signalled a change in momentum.

Defeat extended Sunderland's winless run to six games, a sequence that has seen them slip from the top of the Championship table to fourth.

"The image of them celebrating will stay in the back of our minds," O'Nien added.

"Days like this will be our motivation for what will be a successful season for us."