Although competition for places was fierce, it remained healthy and positive. With a decade of managerial experience behind him, O'Neill knew how to balance squad rotation and nurture talent without disrupting harmony in the dressing room.
He was always ready to give young players opportunities, but never in haste. Some youngsters tended to get carried away after just a game or two, and O'Neill would quickly bring them back down to earth—sometimes by keeping them on the bench, allowing them to observe their teammates and reflect on their own performances.
It was the same philosophy he applied when introducing youth players.
