Fulham under-21 captain Ollie O’Neill is set to get a first taste of senior football with a loan spell at Derry City, according to the Irish Mirror.
The Republic of Ireland under-21 international will move to Foyleside as the Candystripes aim to end Shamrock Rovers’ League of Ireland supremacy by adding some English-based talent ahead of the new Irish season. O’Neill, who rebuffed the advances of several leading Premier League sides to turn professional with Fulham last summer, has starred for Steve Wigley’s side in their first PL2 season – scoring seven goals and adding eight assists in just twelve appearances.
The Ealing-born midfielder has impressed whilst training with the first-team squad and this loan move is considered as a crucial step in his development. Derry are also rumoured to be close to clinching a deal to take Ipswich winger Matt Ward on loan as well. Ruaidhri Higgins’ men face Shamrock in the traditional President’s Cup curtain-raiser on Friday night.
