21-year-old Celtic central defender Eoghan O’Connell joined English League One side Walsall on loan early this week, and O’Connell immediately featured in Walsall’s starting XI this Saturday.
O’Connell played in a 3-5-2 for Walsall, in which his new team defeated Sheffield United 4-1. Getting the opportunity to feature in the starting XI this early in his loan is an excellent sign. Considering that he had few options to play at Celtic, O’Connell needed a team where he could see plenty of action.
Walsall fans were excited with his performance, and several commented on his good introduction to the League One club:
What where people opinions on Eoghan O Connell then? @bonesyo ??⚽
— The Saddlers Side (@SaddlersSide) January 14, 2017
@SaddlersSide @bonesyo not to bad, cud be a good signing in the months to cum with sum more game time. Better than toner by a long shot uts
— Lazy Lycett (@lazylycett) January 14, 2017
O’Connell only featured in seven games for Celtic this season, and he left on loan in order to gain some first team experience. He is still young, and a good run of play at Walsall will certainly develop his talent, and possibly lead to a chance to play more regularly with the Scottish giants.