Lee O’Connor to make Republic of Ireland debut before his senior Celtic bow

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic starlet Lee O’Connor is set to get his first taste of senior football on Thursday evening.

The Republic of Ireland host New Zealand in an international friendly and Mick McCarthy is clearly preparing for the future. FA Ireland’s official Twitter account has confirmed that O’Connor will make his senior debut, alongside Tottenham Hotspur teen Troy Parrott.

O’Connor joined Celtic in the summer from Manchester United. However, he is still waiting to make his senior debut. Fellow summer recruit Jeremie Frimpong has thrived since making the step up to play senior football.

Frimpong’s success will give O’Connor encouragement. The 19-year-old can play anywhere across the back. McCarthy clearly rates him highly.

McCarthy on O’Connor

McCarthy confirmed O’Connor would start at right-back against New Zealand. He said (via The Irish Mirror): “He’s been fine, he trained yesterday on a bigger pitch, not just a small-sided game, and Lee was good. He looks to be settling in. You ask them how they’re doing and they say ‘yeah I’m great’ but you’ve no idea how they are doing until they have their feet in water.”

TBR’s view

O’Connor has been given a float-or-sink opportunity by McCarthy. However, the talented teenager is versatile and has proven his worth at youth level for club and country.

Neil Lennon will probably have a close eye on the clash between the Boys in Green and the All Whites. With Celtic suffering some injury problems this year, O’Connor could be a potential solution – provided he impresses on Thursday night.