Ireland u17 star, Billy O’Neill is currently on trial at Championship title challengers, Burnley.
The Bray Wanderers attacker has impressed for Ireland at underage level since under-15 level, picking up 16 caps since 2023. O’Neill broke Ireland international Andrew Moran’s record in October 2023, becoming the youngest ever player to feature for The Seagulls first team at 15 years and 222 days old.
O’Neill also played a huge role in Bray getting to the playoff final this past season, producing a memorable cameo off the bench against Athlone Town to help them win on penalties. Two days later, he played a huge part in the Ireland u17’s 3-0 win over Scotland, winning a crucial penalty which was a difference maker in Ireland qualifying for the elite rounds!
The 16 year-old, is now testing himself at Burnley and has taken the trial in his stride. He played in a game last weekend, scoring two and assisting two in a 5-0 win and will play in another match this week. As he is only 16, he won’t be able to move to the UK until May 2026 when he turns 18. Burnley are certainly not the only club in the UK as well as further afield interested in his services.
Another League of Ireland talent currently in England is St Patricks Athletic under-17’s keeper, Shaun Hall. The very talented goalkeeper who was apart of their first-team squads for the European run this season is training with Premier League giants Aston Villa.
The 2007 born keeper is hopeful of impressing at Villa in hope of earning a contract before he turns 18 next September.
