Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Michael Scully

Kevin O'Connor says prospect of facing Rangers a factor in decision to extend loan with Cork City

The prospect of facing Glasgow Rangers for Cork City in the Europa League helped persuade Kevin O'Connor to see out the season with the Leesiders.


O'Connor, 24, was due to return to Preston North End as he has 12 months remaining on his contract. But he has extended his loan spell at City until the end of the campaign.

He joined Preston from Cork in 2017 before returning to Turner's Cross on loan in February.

Cork face Progrés Niederkorn or Cardiff Metropolitan University in the Europa League first qualifying round on July 11/18. 

The winners of that tie are in line to meet Steven Gerrard's Rangers in the next round.

“Europe is always an attraction, getting to play in big games," said the full-back. "I think we have got a good draw and, hopefully, we can turn it into an even better draw.

"Everyone has seen who awaits us in the second round if everything goes according to plan, but we can’t look past the first round.

On staying, O'Connor said: “It was a decision I came to, having thought long and hard about it over the break. 

"I am happy here, playing games and, since John Cotter has come in, I think our performances have upped - it's just a matter of getting more confidence back and more wins".  

If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.     

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.