O'Neill ready for a fight at Sydney FC

Brandon O'Neill thanks his dad, Myles, a former boxer, for passing on that innate toughness that makes him want to fight like hell for every ball, already making a big impression for him at Sydney FC.

Brandon O'Neill has warned Melbourne Victory that the Sky Blues won't take a backwards step in the Big Blue derby Source: Getty Images Asia Pacific

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O'Neill was one of the success stories of the A-League's first round, beating the established Mickael Tavares for a place in the starting side and justifying coach Graham Arnold's decision with a terrific performance in the 1-1 draw with Melbourne City.

It was the 21 year-old's debut game for the club after leaving Perth Glory at the end of last season. His switch was relatively low-key, compared to the Sky Blues' other bigger-name signings, but "Arnie" can identify a young player with potential as well as anyone.

O'Neill was born in Australia, but his parents are Irish which shows in his slight Irish accent. 

"I've spent time in the UK with the family," O'Neill said. "Mum and dad migrated out here and while I was growing up we went back to Ireland for a while, but not permanently. I call Perth and Australia my home. All the family is still in Perth.

"Spending time back in Ireland, you pick up the accent quite easily. My sister sounds exactly like me. I've still got a bit of my accent, but not as strong as if I went back to Ireland for a year. I'd probably come back with it a lot thicker."

O'Neill said he was close to his father and that he regarded him as his role model.

"Dad was a champion boxer back in Leinster," O'Neill said. "He was a lightweight who fought as an amateur and then turned professional. He had four pro fights and won them all.

"He was really focused on his boxing, that was his big thing, but in his spare time he played football. He never played at a high level, but he was pretty passionate about it.

"He's my role model, someone I really look up to. I've got most of my traits  from him. He's a great man and a great leader and a great sportsman. I really admire his toughness.

"I'm tough on the field and I like to get about. I like to make tackles and win the ball back. I don't like losing the ball to anyone and if someone does take it off me I'll always be chasing back try to regain possession.

O'Neill had another year left on his contract at Glory, but negotiated a release so he could join Sydney. He was considered good enough to make his A-League debut for Perth a month short of his 18th birthday, but was only used sparingly after that.

"When you're not playing, you get frustrated. It's the same for any player in that situation," O'Neill said. "I gave it all I had, but unfortunately things weren't happening for me at Perth and in that case you've got to weigh up the options and try to make the best decision for yourself.,

"It had nothing to do with the salary cap stuff at Perth. It was just about opportunity and trying to better myself in my playing career and what better club to come to than Sydney FC, the best club in Australia.

"Arnie approached me and I made it very clear  from the get-go that I wanted to come here. It was a no-brainer for me, really, to come to Sydney. I just wanted a fresh start.

"The season has started well for me, but you can never get complacent when you're in a squad that includes so many good players. If you play well, you keep your spot, and if you don't play well there are always good players around to take it."