During his two years with the Sky Blues, O’Neill has played 42 games and become a key member during their history-making campign this season.

Before that, O’Neill endured four frustrating seasons at Perth Glory that saw him limited to just 16 games.

And while the 22-year-old is playing regularly, O'Neill feels he can do even better.

“I’m not happy where I am at the moment," he told FourFourTwo.

“I’ve got bigger aspirations like every young footballer has and that is to be able to reach that top level. It hasn’t surprised me that I’ve been playing regularly and that is to do with my willingness to work hard and my work rate.

“I’ve always wanted this. When I sit back and think about that period in Perth, it was a frustrating time personally. In four seasons, I only had 16 games. Personally, that wasn’t good enough."

After becoming a mainstay of Sydney FC’s first XI over the past two years, the 22-year-old credits his club resurgence to one man, Sydney coach Graham Arnold.

“I owe a lot to Graham,” he said.

“I’m very fortunate enough to be coached under him and have him as a mentor. He’s a father figure not only to myself but to many young lads and even the older players at Sydney FC

“It’s a credit to him and Andrew Clark, Steve Corica and Elias our physio, everyone on board this year has taken it in their stride and made sure that we’ve had the year that we’ve had.

“In all honestly I can’t speak higher of Graham and for what he’s been able to do for me personally and in my football career.”

"I had to sit back and think long and hard about I wanted to do and I was very fortunate that Graham Arnold and Sydney FC gave me a chance to work ever so hard and to improve.

 “I’m very humbled and delighted to be playing week and week out for the best club in Australia.”

With Sydney 11 points clear at the top of the A-League, the club is on the cusp of winning their first silverware in seven years.

But O’Neill said there were no plans to celebrate just yet.

“People can talk as much as they want about the Premier’s Plate but we’ve got one objective and that is to win the Championship,” he said.

“Our main priority all year is to be number one - the greatest team in A-League history which is achievable and number two - to win the championship which is also achievable.

“Every day we come to training with two words in our heads. Win and championship. It’s not a matter of drawing games or any negativity.

“It’s all about being positive every single day winning every single weekend and ultimately it only comes down to one thing and that is winning the championship come May.”