O'Neil made his first start of the season in midweek at Tranmere. There has been much competition for his signature with Wigan, Gillingham and Sunderland all reportedly interested. But it is 23rd placed Cardiff who have secured his services for three months; perhaps Lennie Lawrence's last throw of the dice as he comes under increased pressure.
Meanwhile, Richard Duffy has moved to Burnley, themselves suffering an inconsistent start to the season. Having made only one substitute appearance since his move from Swansea in January, first team experience would be a great benefit.
By a strange twist of fate, both loanees will come head to head on October 8th, when O'Neil's England U21s come face to face with Duffy's Welsh counterparts.
The final of the trio is Shaun Cooper, who despite making seven appearances in Graham Rix's reign, has since failed to make any impact and was farmed out to Leyton Orient last season. He will no doubt be delighted to go out and get more match practice in League Two, and at a mere 20 years of age, time is very much on his side.