Joe O'Brien Whitmarsh signs for Accrington Stanley on loan for the rest of the season

"This is a step up in my career. I have had all these challenges throughout my career and been able to overcome them so this is another challenge. It’s very exciting," he said.

Mon, 03 Feb, 2025 - 18:28

Cian Locke

Accrington Stanley have completed the signing of Cork native Joe O'Brien-Whitmarsh from Southampton on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old is a product of Cork City's youth system and signed his first professional contract at Turners Cross in March 2023 before scoring four goals in 23 League Of Ireland Premier Division outings.

Following a switch to the Saints in 2024, the midfielder has made a total of 16 Premier League 2 appearances, with the Republic of Ireland U21 international also being named in two of Southampton's first team matchday squads - coming off the bench in this season's EFL Cup.

"I just really wanted to get back into men’s football," O'Brien-Whitmarsh, whose loan will keep him at the Wham Stadium until the summer of 2025, told the club's official website.

"I had a period back home in Ireland playing men's football. I played for Cork City, I spent five seasons there and one year in the first team. I played around 25-30 times so I am not niave to men’s football.

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“I moved to Southampton just over 12 months ago and have been playing 21s football. I have had the odd time training with the first team and made my debut in the Carabao Cup.

"I feel I can offer something positive here and this was the perfect opportunity for me.

“I rang Zach (Awe) and spoke to him and he only had kind stuff to say about the club and the environment, the lads, staff, everyone. Once I had the conversation with my dad and my agent it seemed the perfect fit.

"I know Connor O’Brien from the Republic of Ireland and I am living with Tyler Walton, who lived with Zach previously, and I am happy to be here.

"I like to score goals. Hopefully I can chip in with a few goals, create a few chances and help the team.

"This is a step up in my career. I have had all these challenges throughout my career and been able to overcome them so this is another challenge. It’s very exciting."