Lee O’Connor is a reported target for Football League One side Oxford United, according to reports.
The defender signed for Celtic on a four-year deal from Manchester United last summer but is yet to make his first-team debut for the club.
And according to report coming from The Herald, the English side are keen on signing the Republic of Ireland international on loan until the end of the season.
O’Connor has been down the perking order at Celtic this first-half of the season and this doesn’t seem would be changing anytime soon so a loan move away from Parkhead would be hugely beneficial for the 19-year-old.
He made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland earlier this season, showcasing an impressing performance with an excellent assist to his name, but this wasn’t enough for him to register a place for Celtic in the senior team fold.
Jeremie Frimpong has been in superb form at right-back for the Hoops this season, while Neil Lennon also has loanee Moritz Bauer available as backup. Hatem Abd Elhamed is another option for Celtic at right-back, though, currently out of the team due muscle injury.
Therefore, it is highly unlikely that O’Connor will see first-team football opportunity at Celtic this season. In fact, despite featuring regularly for Manchester United’s youth teams and Celtic’s reserves, the 19-year-old is yet to play senior football at all in his career.
While it might sound harsh and unfavourable to many Bhoys, It’s best for both the club and player to leave the club on loan in order gain valuable first-team experience so as to continue his development; something he would be able to do with the League One promotion-chasing side.
Jack Aitchison has flourished for Forest Green Rovers this season following his loan move to the League Two side, and a similar move for O’Connor would be the perfect thing for him in our view.
In order Celtic news, 24-goals Scotsman Lawrence Shankland, who has been scouted twice, would be keen on Celtic move despite interest from English side Queens Park Rangers.
