James O'Neill targets a new deal at AFC Telford

The 18-year-old has made three consecutive starts and four straight appearances for the Bucks since he was handed his first-team debut in the Bucks' Blue Square Premier match at Macclesfield last month.

O'Neill has admitted his rise into senior football has come quicker than he expected, and he has been taking each game as it comes.

Asked what his ambition in football was, the final-year youth team player said: "Just to get a contract, and to see where it gets me."

He added: "I will happily stay here if I was offered a deal, but obviously that depends on who the next permanent gaffer is and what they want.

"It's my last year in the youth team and it has always been my ambition to be a professional footballer."

O'Neill has found the step up from youth football a big one but he added that he has been given plenty of support from his new team-mates.

He said: "Everyone has been very good to me, the players that play in my position, the ones that play in others and the backroom staff have all been helpful.

"It is a big step up and I didn't expect to make it so quickly. It is a lot more physical, a lot faster than youth team football and it's a lot more serious.

"I am also playing against players double my age and double my side. It is a lot more physical so you have just got to adapt to it."

O'Neill added that a first senior goal would be the icing on the cake to a memorable season for the youngster personally.

The forward, who went close on four occasions against Dartford 10 days ago, said: "I do want to score. It would be good to score.

"I probably should have scored against Dartford but, as long as the chances keep coming, hopefully I can develop."

Relegated Telford close out their season with a home game against Hereford on Saturday.