The Celtic defender arrived at the club this summer and is well placed to make a push towards the first-team.
Celtic prospect Lee O’Connor could be one of the players that benefits most from injuries to Jozo Simunovic and Nir Bitton.
The Scottish Sun have reported that Simunovic could be out for six more weeks, having already been forced out of the club’s last few matches.
With Bitton also suffering after being substituted off away to Rangers recently, Celtic are suddenly looking a little light at the back ahead of a heavy schedule.
Just Christopher Jullien and Kristoffer Ajer are available as recognised centre-backs who have played for the club recently. Jack Hendry is also waiting in the wings but hasn’t featured at all under Neil Lennon.
With Hatem Abd Elhamed best used at right-back, it could open the door for one of Celtic’s prospects and O’Connor is the best candidate for the job.
Heavy schedule
Jullien and Ajer will likely play the majority of matches over the next couple of months, but as Lennon’s side embark on a Thursday-Sunday schedule in domestic and European action, the duo could need rest in less intense matches.
Playing in central defence can be a big ask physically, especially when playing away in Europe.
It would be make sense for Lennon to make preparations to tactically rotate his defensive line rather than wait on knocks or any other issues mounting up.
Why O’Connor?
The Republic of Ireland youth international is still just 19, so he can’t be rushed into action too quickly, but he does arrive at Celtic with decent experience playing for Manchester United’s academy sides.
He made 84 appearances for the Old Trafford side from U18 level through the UEFA Youth League to U23 action in Premier League 2.
As Transfermarkt show, the majority of those matches have come at centre-back, despite the player also showing versatility to play on both defensive flanks.
He’s already involved in the Celtic second string too, playing today for the reserves against Hibernian.
O’Neill’s blessing
The defender has also previously been lauded by a former Celtic boss as a player with potential.
Martin O’Neill called the player up to a senior Republic of Ireland squad last year, although the player didn’t win a cap.
During that spell, the Hoops icon had plenty to say about O’Connor.
As quoted by the42.ie, he said: “A very impressive young man. He’s a quiet lad, as Nicky Butt said to Roy [Keane] about him. I’ve been very impressed with him — as a person and as a player.
“It looks as if he’s got a decent future ahead of himself. You can’t get carried away with things. But he’s enjoyed it. He’s enjoyed the training immensely.”
Given O’Neill and Lennon remain close, that endorsement could be a factor too.
Will the Celtic manager turn to the prospect sooner rather than later?
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