CELTIC’S Lee O’Connor gained his first cap for Ireland tonight and he made quite an impression.
It’s not often you see a professional footballer capped for his Country before he’s even made an appearance for his club side’s first team but that’s what happened tonight as Ireland played New Zealand in a friendly before they face Denmark in Euro qualifying.
Young O’Connor was signed by Celtic on the last day of the transfer window and while Jeremy Frimpong has managed to explode into the side following his move from Manchester City, Lee has so far had to bide his time following his own move from Manchester United. On this evidence Neil Lennon may be giving him a nod to the first team sooner rather than later.
I know ireland are playing New Zealand but the boy O’Connor looks decent
— Paul the tim (@paulthetim) November 14, 2019
When O’Connor signed he’d been given the tag as versatile and we’d been advised he can play anywhere along the backline. Tonight Lee played on the right side of defence but with Ireland on the front foot throughout the game it’s clearly a bit difficult to gauge his defensive abilities but going forward he looked good. Composed on the ball and a very tidy passer young O’Connor grew into the game.
New Zealand scored first and the cross that led to the goal came down Lee’s side. He was drawn inside a little and the overlapping winger managed to get a cross in and New Zealand scored through Callum McCowatt. But O’Connor’s head didn’t drop in fact he grew in stature as the game went on.
Derrick Williams equalised for the Irish with a powering header from a corner as Ireland went in level at the break.
In the second half O’Connor busied himself well on the right side always making himself available as an option for teammates looking to spread the play.
Ireland took a second half lead through Sean Maguire from a Troy Parrot lay off to make it 2-1 and then Lee O’Connor stepped up as he delivered an absolutely perfect cross after collecting the ball from midfield. He fashioned himself space on the run and delivered a fantastic cross for substitute Callum Robinson to put Ireland 3-1 ahead.
Lee O'Connor with the cross for Irelands 3rd goal. pic.twitter.com/fle4ghT7Jp
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe85) November 14, 2019
Robinson was straight over to O’Connor to thank him for the delivery. The striker had received the perfect delivery and his finish was just reward for the quality of the delivery.
It may be a stretch to think Lee will get a chance to play in the qualifier against Denmark, but he’s sent a message to Ireland manager Mick McCarthy that he’ll be worth considering for future squads.
Neil Lennon is bound to have looked on with interest tonight. With an all-round assured second half in particular Lee O’Conner will have given his club manager food for thought too.
With the news out tonight that Hatem abd Elhamed is out for around six weeks with a groin injury the timing of Lee O’Connor announcing himself on the international stage may be just about perfect, much like his cross for Callum Robinson tonight.
Niall J
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