O’Connell’s Celtic career in doubt as he joins Walsall

Celtic defender Eoghan O’Connell is set for a loan spell in England having not featured for the first-team since September.

The Irishman broke into the first-team at the beginning of the season but fell out of favour as players returned from injury.

His move to League One side Walsall was confirmed by Celtic’s official website but puts his future at the Scottish club in doubt.

O’Connell is out on contract at the end of the season and may not be offered a new deal as Brendan Rodgers doesn’t currently see him in his future plans.

While Celtic’s first-team jetted off to Dubai, O’Connell and fellow defender Efe Ambrose remained in Glasgow – the latter due to work permit issues.

O’Connell impressed early on this season, making seven appearances, as Brendan Rodgers dealt with numerous injuries in the squad and looked to have impressed the new boss.

The Irishman joined Oldham last season but returned early after sustaining an injury and went to his hometown club Cork City in March.

Since making his first-team debut against Ross County in March 2014, O’Connell has made 12 further appearances for the league champions.