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3rd September 2019
10:09am BST
(Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)[/caption]
O'Connor will join fellow Ireland U21 teammate Jonathan Afolabi, who joined from Southampton last month, in the Celtic senior squad. In an interview on the Celtic website, O'Connor says:
"It feels surreal at the moment... 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."O'Connor is a Celtic fan and recalled having come to 'Paradise' for a stadium tour with his family when he was a youngster. He even spoke enthusiastically about his new side's 2-0 win over Rangers at the weekend. "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 [Jonny Hayes] 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."
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