For those of you who are tuning in or did tune in earlier to watch Celtic’s Lee O’Connor at Wembley, you would’ve been disappointed.
Today was supposed to be the young right-back’s big day. His opportunity to shine at Wembley in front of the Celtic supporters watching behind their TV screens. For his Tranmere side are currently in action against Sunderland in the EFL Trophy final.
O’Connor had been putting a solid run of form together for the League Two side. The Irishman has secured 30 appearances this term and had started five of Rovers’ last six league matches [Transfermarkt]. Yet, when the teamsheets were released today, O’Connor was nowhere to be seen.
Our first thought would’ve been an injury. That indeed looks like it is the case. Richard Garnett, the Tranmere Rovers reporter for the Wirral Globe, has stated that a nasty knock in training last week has ruled him out.
Speaking in the Wirral Globe [2:51pm; Sunderland v Tranmere live updates], Garnett said: “A bit more on the absence of Lee O’Connor.
“I understand that he has been ruled out of today’s match after sustaining an injury in a training ground collision late last week.
“Hard luck on the in-form right back.”
Wembley final miss a blow; but Celtic’s Lee O’Connor has plenty of reasons to be cheerful
You can’t not feel sorry for the Irishman here. It’s an absolutely devastating development for him. Especially considering he’s generally been fit and healthy all season.
At the time of writing, the game is still being played with Sunderland winning 1-0. Should Tranmere turn it around, it would give O’Connor a bit of a morale boost. He’ll know he’s played a part in this cup run regardless.
O’Connor played 90 minutes in both the quarter-final and semi-final successes. He doesn’t have anything to prove to anyone about whether he could’ve competed this afternoon. It’s just a shame he’s being robbed of such a colossal opportunity and in such a world-renowned stadium.
But it’s important Lee continues to recognise the positives. He’s going to shoot well over 30 appearances for Tranmere this season. He still finds himself in a promotion chase with Rovers fifth in League Two. And, most importantly of all, he’s in a great place to come back and challenge at Lennoxtown this summer.
Celtic are going to have a major shortage of right-backs. Jeremie Frimpong and Hatem Elhamed have departed since O’Connor left. Our only right-back option at the moment, Jonjoe Kenny, looks almost certain to head back to Everton too.
This summer could be more of a making O’Connor than a Wembley appearance could ever have been. Here’s hoping he seizes that opportunity.
In other news, an unseen Celtic teenager looks like he’s closing in on a big Parkhead opportunity under John Kennedy.
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