O’neill: Drop is no flop for lads

got what they deserved in the games but they know part of that is self-inflicted as well,” he said.

“If you don’t take your chances, you can be punished, especially against teams with one special player like [Edin] Dzeko and [Marko] Arnautovic.

“To be honest we’ve been more than a match for the teams we’ve played and we haven’t taken our chances. “We’ve good competition for places all over the pitch. I’m disappointed to lose the games but I’m not devastated or despondent because I think the team is progressing.”

Among the players who have established themselves in the team during this competition is Jamal Lewis (inset), and O’neill suggested the Norwich left-back was ready to play in the Premier League amid reported interest.

“I think Jamal is ready for the Premier League now,” he said.

“He showed that when he played against Seamus Coleman, one of the best right-backs in the league.

“It will be fantastic for us if Jamal gets that opportunity.”