Luke O’Neill linked with loan move to Southend United

Phil Brown is expected to be without the injured John White for the rest of the month, and against Plymouth last week, used midfielder Ryan Leonard in the role.

However, the former Preston boss is thought to be keen on O’Neill, who was recalled from a loan spell at York City two weeks ago, to take a place on the Burnley bench for the FA Cup tie at Southampton.

Brown said, ahead of Saturday’s game against Chesterfield: “The priority is still a right back and we’re waiting on a phone call about one of our main targets at the moment.

“Hopefully that will bring good news but we have a list of alternative targets drawn up just in case it doesn’t and we’ll be doing all we can to bring someone in before the game against Chesterfield this weekend.”

Clarets boss Sean Dyche said yesterday, as regards the younger professionals at the club: “We’re still looking at loans, the hardest thing with the numbers we’ve carried this year is we’ve still got to

make sure they are developing.

“Luke O’Neill is a good example, we haven’t a massive amount of cover in the full back areas, but we have to make sure he’s challenged to improve, because they could be the next ones in the building for the longer term.

“That is the challenge, when to let them out, how long for...

“We do want them out playing and are actively looking.”

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