Socceroo Aiden O'Neill shakes off injury scare to be fit for World Cup debut

Midfielder Aiden O'Neill is ready to make his World Cup debut for the Socceroos, having fully recovered from an ankle injury that had raised concerns in early May. The injury occurred while he was playing for New York City FC.

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I obviously had a little issue. That's sorted now. Just been good to be back in training. Obviously it happens to a lot of players, and thankfully I'm fine.

Unlike fellow midfielder Patrick Yazbek, whose injury ruled him out of the tournament, O'Neill successfully recovered in time for the team's training camp in Sarasota last month. "I obviously had a little issue. That's sorted now," O'Neill stated, expressing relief at being back in training. He acknowledged that injuries are common for players and feels fortunate to be fit.

O'Neill, who narrowly missed out on the Tokyo Olympics and made his Socceroos debut in 2023, is determined to seize this opportunity. "It's obviously a dream come true to be here, and it's about working hard and making sure that I take the opportunity I've been given," he said. He is a consistent presence in Tony Popovic's midfield and looks forward to linking up with former Melbourne City teammates Mathew Leckie and Connor Metcalfe.

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It's obviously a dream come true to be here, and it's about working hard and making sure that I take the opportunity I've been given.

The Socceroos are preparing to face Switzerland on Saturday (Sunday AEST) in San Diego, aiming to improve after a loss to Mexico. O'Neill is unfazed by external doubts, stating, "We don't mind being an underdog and we have to have to prove ourselves on the day." He also shared lighthearted banter with his American teammates ahead of Australia's match against the United States on June 19.

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They try. It's going to be a really good game. If they want to talk on social media, and they want to say what they want to say, we don't mind being an underdog and we have to have to prove ourselves on the day.