LEE O’CONNOR completed his move to Celtic with just minutes to spare. The young highly rated Irish defender joins the Champions from Manchester United and is Celtic’s third deadline day signing with both Greg Taylor joining from Kilmarnock and Jeremie Frimpong signing from Manchester City.
O’Connor joins Celtic on a four year contract, as seems to have been the length of deals signed by all the new summer arrivals.
Speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, Lee O’Connor seemed dazed but delighted.
“It feels surreal at the moment but I’m just looking forward to getting the international break over with and then starting with Celtic.
“I found out last weekend about Celtic’s interest, and it went from there. Today was a bit hectic but I’m just glad to get it through before the window shuts.
“The Irish squad met up this morning and I spoke to the manager, Stephen Kenny, and he was fine about me coming here today. I’ll meet up them again tomorrow for training.
“I’m a versatile player. I can play anywhere across the back four or midfield if needed. I’d say that I’m a wholehearted defender. I love defending and tackling, but I like to get forward as well. First and foremost, though, I am a defender.”
As well as being friends with Jonathan Afolabi, Celtic’s latest signing is also a good friend of midfielder, Barry Coffey, who has been playing with the Hoops Reserves this season. And when he first became aware of the prospect of moving to Paradise, Lee was on the phone to his international team-mate.
“I spoke to Johnny and he told me how everyone made him feel welcome, how well he’s settled in and how much he likes it, so that really helped me too,” O’Coonor said. “I’m good friends with Johnny and Barry, so it’ll definitely help me settle in.
“I just want to get started, work hard and give it my all, and hopefully the manager and all the staff will see why they’ve brought me here and I can make an impact.”
“It was a great result, so it’s a good start to the season for the team, and it was good to see a fellow Irishman getting a goal too,” he said.
“Walking through the Celtic Park tunnel, even in an empty stadium, I just want to run out on to the pitch, but I’ll just have wait and see what happens. It’s been a surreal week, but I’m really happy to be here and really proud as well.”
More on all this tomorrow.
Welcome to Celtic Greg, Jeremie and Lee…pity about big Victor but there’s always January, right?
Also on The Celtic Star…
Time running out as O’Connor pictured inside Paradise, but Wanyama stays at Spurs…see HERE.
‘I can’t wait to play at Celtic Park,’ new Bhoy Jeremie Frimpong signs four-year deal…see HERE.
‘What an honour,’ Taylor’s Celtic Delight, Manchester Bhoys signings Imminent…see HERE.
Celtic’s Late Manchester Raid, Aitchison to Green Rovers, Jones Ruptured his ACL, thoughts and prayers etc…see HERE.
Taylor Fee Agreed as Henderson heads to Highlands…see HERE.
Dubliner Jonny Hayes’ Beautiful Sunday, live at the home of the Tribute Act…see HERE.
No Swap Shop – Taylor’s Transfer takes another Twist…see HERE.
UEFA open proceedings against Celtic and AIK…see HERE.
Anthony Ralston’s St Johnstone Loan move confirmed…see HERE.
Flimpong from Man City? The Wanyama Window Deadline Day Round-up…see HERE.
‘This is abhorrent,’ Bears Behaving Badly after suffering another Beautiful Sunday…see HERE.
Blue Monday – Come On Over To Our Place…see HERE.
Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – ‘I wanna, I wanna, I wanna be Edouard,’ Alfredo Morelos…see HERE.
‘Bossed It,’ Odsonne, the Rangers TV Commentary and Lenny exorcised the ghost of Cluj,’ Niall J…see HERE.
David Potter on Celtic’s Beautiful Sunday…see HERE.
‘There’s the house toilet wrecked’ Captain Bluebeard, ‘I’m raging Rangers (sic)’…see HERE.
Ibrox Emptied! – Gerrard’s False Dawn and Rangers Fans’ Tears…see HERE.