Eunan O’Kane was released by Everton as a youngster but the midfielder has stated it was the making of him.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne in action with Bournemouth’s Eunan O’Kane
Leeds United signed Eunan O’Kane on transfer deadline day, with the midfielder dropping a division from Bournemouth.
O’Kane is in contention to start for the Whites this weekend against rivals Huddersfield Town, and will hope to show his new set of fans what he is all about.
The Ireland international knows all about challenges, and has had to work his way up the ranks after being released by Everton at just 15.
Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta in action with Bournemouth’s Eunan O’Kane
O’Kane returned to Ireland where he joined Coleraine, where he went on to impress enough to sign for Torquay United, and then Bournemouth.
Speaking to the Irish Independent last year, O’Kane actually felt that being discarded by David Moyes’ Everton has been to his benefit.
He said: “Leaving Everton at the time that I did, obviously I didn’t have the option to stay, but it helped me along the way.
“I got into men’s (football) a little bit earlier than some people, and I think the experiences I went through at Coleraine, Torquay and Bournemouth have made me the player and the person I am today.
“I wouldn’t go back and change anything on that journey – it’s been the right path for me.”
That path has now led him to Leeds United, where he will hope to earn a recall into Ireland’s XI, having been left out of their recent World Cup qualifying fixtures.
O’Kane has bounced back from bigger disappointments in the past, and should be backed to succeed at Elland Road despite the intense competition for midfield places.
Bournemouth’s Eunan O’Kane in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
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