Lee O’Connor is targeting a first team place at the start of next season.
On transfer deadline day the right-back made a surprise move to Celtic, turning his back on Manchester United after three and a half years with the club.
United are apparently turning their attention to youth but with £50m spent of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and £80m on Harry Maguire it looks like opportunities will be limited over the next couple of years.
O’Connor could have been involved in a programme of loan moves but opted to lay down some fresh roots by signing a four year contract at Celtic.
Hatem Abd Elhamed and Moritz Bauer have been competing for the right-back slot but next season there could be a new contender in that position.
O’Connor told The 42:
At the moment, I’m just looking to get a run of games [at underage level] and show them why they’ve got me there. Hopefully, the coaching staff will see and next season in pre-season, I can show the first-team manager that I’m capable enough to make the step.
They put great faith in me. I’m very grateful for that, so I’m just looking to repay their faith now, get a good run of games and have a good performance level You want to get into the first team. That’s why I went to Celtic — it’s what I’m looking to do and hopefully I can do it.
Last night O’Connor made his fourth appearance of the season for Ireland’s u-21 side with Stephen Kenny’s side drawing 0-0 at home to Italy after winning their first three group matches.
