The boost he's looking for is specifically on the international front, where by a place in the Championship will enhance O'Kane's chances of a call up for the Republic Of Ireland squad, having already played for their under 21 squad.
Speaking in the Bournemouth Evening Echo, O'Kane is quoted as saying: "The feedback I received from the under-21 coach was good and the next step is to get a full international call-up. That is where I want to get to and, hopefully, some day in the future it will happen. I don’t think there are going to be too many opportunities to be knocking on the door playing in League One though. If we could get promotion and step into the Championship then you never know what could happen. There are a few young players breaking through at the moment and they are all playing for clubs in the Championship. If you get there and play well, you are in the right window in terms of being seen and throwing your hat in the ring for selection. That has got to be the aim. When I came here, I was optimistic about playing and wanted to do well. Coming to a new club and stepping up a level, you worry about the challenges you are going to face in terms of better opposition and being a better player to deal with that. Over the past few months and since I have been playing regularly, I have learned that I am good enough for this level. I want to play as high as possible and the next step would be to challenge myself in the Championship. Hopefully, that will be with us going up automatically".
Source: Cherries MAD
Source: FOOTYMAD
