Loan Celts

Eoghan makes his mark

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Eoghan O’Connell made an instant impact on his Wallsall debut with his boss, Jon Whitney describing the 4-1 win over Sheffield United as the best performance in his 13 years at the club.

The on loan Celt was pitched straight into the side for his first top team appearance since September.

O’Connell had a brief spell on loan at Oldham last season but seems to have adapted quickly to the demands of life in League One.

I thought the big man at the back grew into the game and showed why we’ve brought him in,” Witney told the club website.

He commanded the back three really well. It was a really good debut for him. It is something for him to build on.”

O’Connell was outstanding in his early season Celtic performances helping to steer the side through three matches against Astana and Hapoel Beer Sheva.

The arrival of Kolo Toure and return to fitness of Jozo Simunovic halted his first team chances with a loan deal the only opportunity to get some experience.

Kilmarnock were rumoured to be keen to take the defender on loan but with a grass pitch and a heavy fixture list Brendan Rodgers decided that a spell in League One would be more beneficial.

With O’Connell on board Whitney was certainly purring about his side’s victory.

The Walsall boss added: “I think that was one of the best performances we have had in my time at the club – and that is 13 years.

That is no exaggerating. Sheffield United are a good, good team. You have to do you homework on them and you have to nullify their threats.

You have got get your game plan right but huge credit to the players because the stuff we have worked on – you can see it transition from the training ground onto the pitch.

That shows how bright they are. But it took a hell of shift. They had to sacrifice and run every blade of grass. The intensity was fantastic.”

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