Rocky O'Neill is in hospital feeling more isolated (8)

I believe the answer is:

lonelier

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'feeling more isolated' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'rocky o'neill is in hospital' is the wordplay.
'rocky' indicates an anagram.
'is in hospital' becomes 'er' (I've seen this in other clues).
'oneill' with letters rearranged gives 'loneli'.
'loneli'+'er'='LONELIER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lonelier that I've seen before include "More solitary and lacking in companionship" , "More solitary or isolated, and feeling it" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.