Joe McCready 
Charles McQuillan/Getty Images Sport
Eoghan O’Connell could be the next Celtic player to get a bumper contract if he continues to perform the way he has in recent games in the Hoops defence.
O’Connell, who made his debut in 2014, has impressed since new manager Brendan Rodgers took charge, playing in several games and also scored against English Premier League champions Leicester City.
Entering the final year of his contract, the defender who turns 21 on Saturday will be looking to earn a new deal like his team-mates Tom Rogic and James Forrest.
In an interview with the Glasgow Evening Times the Irish man described how he has never had a consistent spell in the Hoops saying:
I have played a few games but it was always one-in, one-out kind of a thing. I have never really had a run. It is difficult to plant a seed in people’s heads, that you are ready to play, if you are only playing one game.
I have got this little run now and I’m hoping to prove to people that I am ready and good enough to play here.
Celtic’s first team coach John Kennedy has been very complimentary of the youngster saying that he has almost been like a new signing for the team, Kennedy continued by saying:
It’s been a big opportunity for him to go and play and he’s certainly taken that. He’s done very well so far this season.
This is a boy who came through our Academy at 16, I’ve worked with him a long time and know him inside out.
To be fair, he’s a great boy, a great lad to work with. Last season he knew himself there was nothing he could really do about the injuries he got.
It is clear that O’ Connell has impressed the new management team, and will probably be counted upon if injuries continue to hamper the centre-backs.
O’Connelll likely be involved tonight against Motherwell in the last-16 of the League Cup.
Eric Knott 
