Hessenthaler has been quoted as saying that he will be talking to Pompey boss Harry Redknapp about taking O’Neil on loan, but the young midfielder is sure to have attracted interest from other clubs as well.
Talking to the official club website, Hessenthaler said, 'It's an area we have to look at because we're not creating enough.
'I'll be speaking to Harry Redknapp about O'Neil. Unfortunately he may be targeted by other clubs and if that's the case we have no chance.'
The side has been missing a creative influence in the centre of the midfield ever since the departures of Simon Osborn and Paul Shaw – and Hessenthaler’s statement of intent will please those fans who feel the club has looked somewhat one-dimensional going forward this season.
We’ll monitor any loan move developments closely and report any news here on Gills365.