Aiden O’Neill enjoyed a positive first appearance in the Green and Gold, looking at home on the national stage.
He was given his first opportunity in the Socceroos squad following an exceptional few seasons for Melbourne City in the A-League Men.
His side currently sits four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, and O’Neill has once again been the linchpin of the City squad.
Despite being just 24 years of age, O’Neill is a highly decorated player, having won two A-League Men Premiership titles and one A-League Men Championship.
With the midfielder having played 142 senior matches - including three Premier League games for Burnley - it’s no surprise how quickly and easily he adapted to playing for his national side.
O’Neill was composed both on the field and off it, and was proud of Australia’s display in the first match since the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup Round of 16 game against eventual winners Argentina, which brought an ending to the Socceroos’ most successful campaign to date.
“Tonight was just unbelievable and to get a result like that; I thought we were really disciplined and I thought we played really well,” he said.
However, O’Neill spoke of the emotion that went with putting on the Green and Gold, particularly with his family present, having come down from Brisbane for the big occasion.
Despite knowing he was going to start on debut, O’Neill withheld that information from his parents, giving them a fantastic surprise as they watched from the sidelines.
“It was funny actually, I wanted to give my Dad a bit of a surprise and my Mum as well so I didn’t actually tell them I was starting.
“I told my sister and she kept that as a little secret, but I’m sure once they got here and realised I was starting they would have been over the moon.”
O’Neill’s transition into the senior Socceroos squad was seamless, as he looked increasingly comfortable throughout the 90 minutes, remaining relaxed with the ball and aggressive and disciplined without it.
“I think I just really enjoyed myself out there,” he said, reflecting on his debut.
“I said during the week I’ve just been enjoying my football, and tonight I did just that.
“It felt like I belonged out there.”
O’Neill will have a chance to gain his second Socceroos cap in the final match of Australia’s homecoming tour, when they take on Ecuador once more at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday night, with a 7:30 AEDT kickoff.