SHAUN DERRY ON SHANE O'NEILL LOAN
Cambridge United Manager comments on the arrival of defender Shane O’Neill on loan until the end of the Sky Bet League Two season, pending international clearance.
O’Neill joins the U’s from Cypriot side Apollon Limassol, having started his career with a six year spell in the MLS at the Colorado Rapids.
Derry explains the 22-year old’s arrival cropped up late in the day, but he is delighted to have acquired the United States U20 and U23 international.
He said: “It’s a great opportunity for Shane to ply his trade in England and we’ll have the chance to work with an exciting, young international footballer.
“Shane’s arrival at the football club has been a little bit left-field. We wanted to look a little outside the box. Having had a connection with his agent in America, Shane’s name popped up to us at the eleventh hour.”
The U’s boss continued: “He brings us a lot of flexibility given that he can play across the back line and also in a holding midfield role as well.
“It’s important we have competition for places across all positions and that has really ramped up in the last month. The numbers have come down but the quality in the squad has increased.
“Shane is a good footballer and that is what we have brought him into the squad for, but first and foremost he has to prove that he is good enough to get into the squad and the starting line-up.”
O’Neill could be line to make his U’s debut this weekend against Dagenham & Redbridge at the Abbey Stadium (K.O. 3:00pm). Tickets for that match, which is sponsored by Image Office Cleaning, are available to purchase online, in-store and over the phone by calling 01223 566 500.