Ashton United boss Steve Cunningham backs Mikey O’Neill for goals surge

Ashton United manager Steve Cunningham believes attacking midfielder Mikey O’Neill can kick on and add a healthier goals return to his game in the season ahead. The 22-year-old, who progressed through Preston North End’s academy system, was among the Robins’ most eye-catching performers last term.

According to The Non-League Football Paper, Cunningham has been full of praise for O’Neill’s all-round contribution in the final third, highlighting the composure and invention he brings to Ashton’s attacking play.

Cunningham hails O’Neill’s creativity

“He offers the team so much quality in the final third with his creativity and his positive running with the ball,” Cunningham told the paper. The Ashton boss made clear that O’Neill’s ability to drive at defenders has been a key feature of his game since arriving at the club.

Cunningham went on to explain where he wants to see the biggest improvement from his young playmaker over the coming campaign. “We are looking forward to seeing Mikey develop over the next 12 months, especially in his goals return,” he said. “This lad creates so many good chances and when that side clicks I have every confidence he could score double figures.”

A key figure for the Robins

O’Neill emerged as one of Ashton United’s standout young talents last season, with his creativity and willingness to run at opposition defences making him a regular threat going forward. Cunningham’s comments suggest the manager sees him as central to the club’s attacking plans as they look to build on last term’s campaign.

Having come through the Preston North End academy ranks before joining Ashton, O’Neill will now be expected to translate his creative influence into a greater share of goals himself, according to his manager’s assessment.

Ashton United will be hoping O’Neill’s continued development, alongside the rest of Cunningham’s squad, can help the club push forward in the non-league pyramid during the new campaign.

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