‘Proud Queenslander’ Aiden O’Neill hoping for game time on Gold Coast against Bahrain

A Socceroo’s European career is on the rise after being made captain of his Belgian club.

Revelling in the captaincy role at Belgian club Standard Liege, Aiden O’Neill is eyeing a regular spot in the Socceroos’ midfield.

Back in his home state and only an hour down the road from his home town of Brisbane, O’Neill is eager for game time on Thursday night when the Socceroos host Bahrain in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on the Gold Coast.

“First (Socceroos game) here in Queensland for me, which is really exciting,” he said.

“I’m a proud Queenslander.”

O’Neill, 26, is also “proud” of his elevation to the Standard Liege captaincy in just his second season with the club after leaving A-League outfit Melbourne City.

Aiden O'Neill (left) has embraced the captaincy at Standard Liege. Picture: Bruno Fahy / BELGA / AFP

“I wouldn’t say I saw it coming, but … to be named captain of such a big club in Europe is something that they don’t take lightly, and it’s an honour to be captain there,” he said.

“I don’t think it’s changed me too much on the field, but I think off the field you have different duties to fill and different things to do, which I’m taking in my stride.

“Overall, I’ve improved as a footballer, and obviously now being captain, as a leader as well.”

O’Neill hasn’t played for the Socceroos since being sent off in Australia’s 2-1 Asian Cup quarter-final loss to South Korea in February, and is therefore eager to make up for lost time.

“(The midfield) is very competitive, and I think the whole squad is, and that speaks volumes of the team that we have and the team that we’re building,” he said.

“With all the boys overseas as well, forging our careers over there, and all playing at a really good level over there – it’s really exciting.

“It’s always tough when miss out on selection. Being here is so special, and we have such a special group of boys, and we enjoy coming into camp so much.”

Originally published as ‘Proud Queenslander’ Aiden O’Neill hoping for game time on Gold Coast against Bahrain