Paradise regained for Celtic prospect Eoghan O’Connell

Celtic youngster Eoghan O’Connell has unshakeable belief in his ability to retain his place in an oversubscribed Hoops defence.

The 20-year-old centre-back made his Celtic debut against Ross County at Parkhead in March 2014, but progression was neither quick nor smooth, and loan spells at Oldham and home town club Cork City ended through ankle and groin injuries respectively.

Defenders Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic missed the start of this campaign through injury and when Erik Sviatchenko picked up a groin complaint it allowed O’Connell to impress new boss Brendan Rodgers and, although former Arsenal and Manchester City star Kolo Toure was added to the squad, the Corkman kept his place at the expense of Efe Ambrose.