'The Irish Cafu'; Celtic youngster Lee O'Connor impresses Tranmere Rovers fans out on loan in the FA Cup

By John McGinley

November 8, 2020

Celtic youngster Lee O’Connor is starting to impress Tranmere Rovers fans.

The Republic of Ireland cap is in English League Two on a season-long loan as the Super White Army attempt to bounce back from last term’s relegation.

It’s been a difficult campaign to date, with just three league wins, but things took a turn for the better this weekend after beating Accrington Stanley 2-1 in the first round of the FA Cup, a team that play in the division above.

O’Connor featured for the full 90 minutes at right-back and was one of the side’s top performers, following up a solid display away to Harrogate Town midweek.

He’s been a regular for Rovers this season, making 14 appearances in all competitions.

It’s a fantastic experience for the 20-year-old and one which will serve him well when it comes to making a push for the Celtic first-team on his return.

He signed for Celtic last summer from Manchester United but has yet to make an appearance in competitive action, despite already winning a senior cap with his country.

The youngster spent part of last season out on loan at Partick Thistle, but that move was hindered by the ongoing pandemic.

With no reserve football at Celtic and plenty of options ahead of him in Neil Lennon’s squad, it made perfect sense to send him down to England to play more professional games.

These Tranmere fans have taken to Twitter this weekend to share their thoughts on his recent performances…