Brisbane-born footballer Aiden O’Neill has signed on at his hometown Club for the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
The young Australian talent joins the Roar on a season-long loan from English Premier League outfit Burnley FC.
The young midfielder, who made his Premier League debut in 2017 with the Clarets, has spent the last two seasons on loan at League One outfits Oldham Athletic and Fleetwood Town, as well as most recently spending the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season at the Central Coast Mariners.
The 20-year-old former Brisbane Boys College student is excited by the new opportunity in Brisbane and the chance to play in front of family and friends.
“Last season I got to play in front of my family which was a big part of the decision for me to come to Australia on loan,” O’Neill said.
“To be back in my home city and be able to play in front of my family and friends means a lot to me.”
In his maiden season in Australia, the former Australian U23 representative netted four goals from 23 appearances, also earning the Club’s Player of the Year Award.
“I’m only relatively new to the Hyundai A-League, but it’s a league that’s improving very quickly and it would be awesome to be a part of bringing Brisbane back to the top.”
O’Neill says the ambition for the season ahead from new Head Coach Robbie Fowler was key in drawing him to the Roar.
“I’m really excited to get started in Brisbane. It’s a great opportunity to play under [Head Coach] Robbie [Fowler] who had such an immense career,” O’Neill said.
“He called me and told me about his plans for the Club. It was something I was really excited to be involved in.”
Meanwhile, experienced defender Jacob Pepper has committed to a fourth campaign in orange, signing on for the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season.
The 27-year-old has made 52 Hyundai A-League appearances for the Club with his versatility seeing him appear in a number of positions across defence and midfield.
“I’m delighted to extend for another year with Brisbane Roar and I cannot wait to be playing in front of our loyal supporters again,” Pepper said.
“I’m looking forward to the season ahead and contributing to the team to put Brisbane Roar back where we belong.”
BRISBANE ROAR HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE 2019/20 SQUAD UPDATE
Goalkeepers: Jamie YOUNG
Defenders: Tom ALDRED, Daniel BOWLES, Macaulay GILLESPHEY, Jack HINGERT, Jake MCGING, Connor O’TOOLE, Aaron REARDON
Midfielders: Brad INMAN, Stefan MAUK, George MELLS, Aiden O’NEILL, Jacob PEPPER
Attackers: Aaron AMADI-HOLLOWAY, Roy O’DONOVAN, Dylan WENZEL-HALLS
