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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Kevin Taylor

Ireland defender Lee O'Connor seals loan move from Celtic to Partick Thistle

Ireland full-back Lee O'Connor has joined Partick Thistle on loan from Celtic.

O'Connor, a star of Stephen Kenny's Ireland U-21 side, earned his first senior cap in a 3-1 win over New Zealand last November.

However, the 19-year-old has yet to make a senior club appearance since joining Neil Lennon's side from Manchester United last summer.

There has been stiff competition in the full-back slots at Parkhead, but with Partick struggling at the foot of the Scottish Championship, O'Connor should expect to pick up valuable game-time.

Celtic confirmed the news on their official Twitter account, tweeting: "We can confirm that Lee O'Connor has joined @PartickThistle on loan until the end of the season. Good luck, Lee!"

O'Connor will hope to grab the attention of current U-21 boss and future senior manager Stephen Kenny, who rates the starlet highly.

Speaking last September, Kenny predicted O'Connor might have his work cut out securing a starting place at Celtic initially - but insisted the future is bright.

He said: “Going to Celtic is a challenge. It’ll be very difficult to get into the first-team and I’m sure he’s going with his eyes wide open.


“They’re in the Europa group stages and are constantly wanting to get into the Champions League. 

“That’s the bar they’re trying to set so it’s not easy to get into the team there. But for his age, he has very good characteristics and an excellent attitude.

“But I think he’s definitely a right back. He can play centre back but he’s a raider, a good defender who also raids.”

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