Cambridge United midfielder Liam O'Neil hails rational approach of competitive squad

Last weekend's match winner Liam O'Neil has talked up the 'level headed' nature of his Cambridge United team-mates.

The battle for places within Mark Bonner's starting line-up this season is strong after the head coach assembled a squad packed with up to 24 senior players.

The depth was highlighted last time out against Burton Albion by O'Neil, who came off the bench to assist Sam Smith in making it 3-3 before going on to score the winning goal himself 11 minutes from time.

And the Cambridge-born midfielder has insisted everyone is buying into the high level of competition for places.

"We've got a big squad and the manager has to pick a side – we're all fully understanding of that," he said.

"When we do get our opportunities we're all hoping to take them and that is what a good team does.

"There's been a few games. I think of the Exeter game (2-1 win, August 13) when Shilow (Tracey) and a couple of the others came on and changed the game and we ended up getting the result.

"All players want to play all the games and they want to play all the minutes they possibly can but we've got a group that is very level headed and if somebody can change the game with fresh legs or be a tactical option, you've just got to get on with it.

"The most important thing is we win games and we play well. If that's affected by making changes then that is important."

Reflecting on his decisive impact as a substitute against the Brewers, the 29-year-old added: "I was just told to come on to the pitch and change the game as much as I could – get involved as much as possible.

"On Saturday it worked out and we ended up getting the three points, which is the most important thing.

"It was all like a bit of blur, it all happened so quickly. I have watched it (the winning goal) back a couple of times, I'm not going to lie!

"The game had a bit of everything and thankfully all the boys managed to dig in and see it through."

Meanwhile, head coach Bonner, who was correct in his prediction that it would be a quiet transfer deadline at the club, has warned that tomorrow's visitors Lincoln City will provide his side with a 'real test'.

The Imps travel to Cambridgeshire unbeaten in their last three games in all competitions.