Former Celtic talent Luca Connell scores 'goal of the season contender' for Barnsley

By Giuseppe Labellarte

February 16, 2023

Back in 2019, exciting midfield talent Luca Connell joined Celtic from English outfit Bolton Wanderers.

There were high hopes at Parkhead surrounding the Republic of Ireland youth international.

However, Connell struggled to make his mark at Celtic.

The 21-year-old failed to make a single competitive appearance in green and white.

While on Celtic’s books, Connell spent time on loan at Scottish side Queens Park.

He played a key role in helping the Spiders to back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship.

Many expected Connell to be getting his final chance to break into the Celtic first-team this season.

However, the Hoops opted not to take up their option for Connell to remain with the club in 2022-23.

And so, Connell was on the move, going on to link up with English League One side Barnsley.

It proved a good call for Connell, who’s thriving at the South Yorkshire club.

Last week, he picked up the club’s Player of the Month award for the second month in a row.

A recent Twitter fan poll showed that 59 percent of the Barnsley supporters who took part see Connell as their most important player.

And on Tuesday night, he also scored an outstanding goal to help his side run out 3-1 winners at Port Vale.

Speaking to the Barnsley website about the win and Connell’s stunner, manager Michael Duff said: “It’s probably a goal of the season contender!

“When it comes in the first 30 seconds of a game, you can’t ask for much more.”

Connell’s career taking off

It’s a shame that Connell didn’t manage to make it at Celtic.

He had a lot of potential in green and white, and maybe he should’ve been given another chance.

Not that he’ll be complaining, mind.

Indeed, all three parties – Celtic, Connell and Barnsley – are in a great place right now.

The Hoops are absolutely flying, Connell’s career is taking off, and the Tykes are battling for promotion.

While it may be a shame he’s no longer at Parkhead, it’s good to see he’s developing into a great player and enjoying his football.