The lad hasn’t even made his professional debut but new Celtic defender Lee O’Connor is set to land his first full Ireland cap against New Zealand this week after his misfortune turned into something he couldn’t have imagined.

Playing for the Ireland under 21s last month, the player was sent off for a second yellow during their disappointing defeat to Iceland. However, because he is suspended at under 21 level, Mick McCarthy has fast tracked the Celtic youngster to the first team.

Not only that, McCarthy has told O’Connor he will see game time as he rests his more prominent first team players against the New Zealanders.

“Lee is in a bit by default I guess, given the fact that he is suspended for the Under-21s for their game against Armenia,” McCarthy explained told the Scotsman. “I didn’t have a whole lot of cover on the bench in terms of defenders, so he will get some game time”

O’Connor was brought in from Manchester Utd on a four-year deal and has been playing for Celtic’s developmental side. It would be a big surprise not to see the player make his full Celtic first team debut before the end of the season. He just has to look at Jeremie Frimpong for inspiration.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.