NEW signing Jake O’Neill has only been in Australia one month, but already knows ACE and Grange well.
The attacking midfielder “went to Grange for a bit” before arriving at Wolter Park and believes ACE’s approach may be a key tomorrow.
O’Neill made his ACE debut from the bench when Grange won 3-1 at Lanham Park in the first of this month’s Premier League top-of-the-table derbies.
Entering round two, with ACE three points behind Grange but with a game in hand, the 21-year-old said: “I felt they just wanted it a wee bit more that night.
“Technically we’re a better side. I think the quality in this squad is massive, but they (Grange) just wanted it a wee bit more that night.
“When they come here if we show wee bit more aggression, a bit more fight and will to win.”
O’Neill has played for Ballymena in the Northern Ireland (NI) Premiership and PSNI in the NI Premiership.
His preferred position is “just in behind the strikers” and arriving in Brisbane wanted to play at the “highest level” he could.
“I came here and enjoyed the training,” said O’Neill, “the coaching was excellent, the ball was buzzing about, and possession was excellent.
“The style of football is right up my street. Getting the ball down, knocking it about and playing free flowing football.
“Steve (Glockner) has great ideas going forward, big aims for the club and I want to be part process to get there.”
ACE Reserves start tomorrow night’s action at Wolter Park four points clear at the top of the table with Grange Reserves in seventh. Kick-off 6.30pm.
