O’Neill living Premier League dream

O’Neill came off the bench for Burnley in a 2-0 win over Liverpool in August. Since then he has made two more first-team appearances for the Clarets and one in the EFL Cup.

O’Neill, who hails from Brisbane, told FourFourTwo getting his debut at just 18 was “a dream come true”.

“It's a real buzz,” he said.

“Walking past them in the tunnel, shaking hands at the end of the game is amazing but to actually play with and against them is a dream come true. Obviously not many players get a chance at my age so yes I was surprised, but I had worked really hard in the off-season.

“I had come back really fit and strong. I was just lucky that my hard work was noticed.”

O’Neill, who joined Burnley in 2014, is looking to gain more first-team experience. He got 33 minutes off the bench against Chelsea in August and then had 49 minutes as a substitute against Southhampton in October.

“Making the three appearances has been great,” he said.

“I've been lucky enough to be on the bench a few times too and be part of winning and losing teams. I would love to get more game time and am working hard every training session to improve. I've loved it so far and there's still basically half the season to go.”

O’Neill, who doesn’t turn 19 until July, grew up in Queensland came through the ranks at Brisbane Athletic and the Zee Pro Soccer academy. The central midfielder had to wait for his international clearance when he first joined Burnley, forcing him to train with the club’s development squad.

“It's been great,” he said.

“From U16s onwards it's been lots of fun and then getting my chance in the development squad whilst waiting for international clearance and then getting my chance in the first-team squad. Mind-blowing. The fans have been great with me.

"I love signing autographs for the young kids. I've done a number of sessions with disadvantaged fans, which has been great too. There's nothing better than seeing the smiles on their faces when they get to enjoy football. It's brilliant.”

O’Neill is working hard to continue to impress Burnley boss Sean Dyche. The 18-year old said his goal for the rest of the season it to gain more game time with the first-team or to potentially go out on loan.

“I don't know what the gaffer's plans are but I will do whatever I am asked,” O’Neill said.

“The gaffer has been fantastic. Really supportive. I do everything I can to keep myself in his thoughts.”