O’Neill was sent to the League One club on a season-long loan in August. The Queenslander has been a regular for Fleetwood this campaign, making 21 first-team appearances.

But O’Neill is now headed back to Burnley, after his spell with the Olyroos at the AFC Under-23 Championships in China is completed.

“I am about to be recalled to Burnley but I really enjoyed playing with some really experienced players,” he told FourFourTwo.

“I don't know what will happen in regards the second half of the season but I will either be at Burnley or maybe sent out on loan to another club. I just need to be playing games and gaining more experience and confidence in my game as well.”

The 19-year-old has been named in Ante Milicic’s 23-man squad for the Championships, which will be held in China’s Jiangsu Province.

 


O’Neill has never represented Australia at any level and is excited to be involved.

“Any chance you get to represent your country you should try and grab with both hands,” the central midfielder said.

“Hopefully it's just the start. Two of my mates Dan Nizic and Brandon Wilson have been picked as well so it's not just me I'm happy for.”

The Olyroos will come up against Syria, Vietnam and Korea Republic in Group D in the tournament, that has come under fire from A-League clubs over the release of their players.

If Australia finishes in the top two in Group D if will go through to the quarter-finals of the competition, which will impact their seeding for the 2020 Olympic qualifiers.

O’Neill believes the Olyroos have the talent to make an impact in China.

“I think we have as good a chance as any team,” he said.

“We need to make sure we play our best in every game and that should give us every chance. There's fantastic talent in the squad. I can't wait to train and play with them.”