Celtic target Cathal O’Sullivan has signed for Preston North End.
The teenager is one of many young Irish players to have been linked with Celtic in recent years, with the club keen to re-establish itself as a destination for young talents from the country.
He appeared for Cork City against Celtic in a pre-season friendly, last summer, having been on the Hoops’ radar.
However, an ACL injury sustained shortly later complicated things, and before making his first appearance since the absence, he has now agreed the move to England.
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Preston sign Cathal O’Sullivan from Cork City after Celtic interest
O’Sullivan has agreed a professional deal until 2028 at Deepdale, and the club say he will initially be integrated into the under-21 squad.
He has not played in a competitive fixture since his serious injury in a home game against Sligo Rovers last July.
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A few weeks before that, he appeared in the friendly against Celtic, which saw Colby Donovan’s late winner seal a 2-1 win for the Hoops.
Cork would go on to be relegated from the Irish Premier Division, heading straight back down to the First Division, where they will now be managed by ex-Celt Barry Robson.
In a long line of Ireland youngsters linked with a Parkhead move, O’Sullivan is the latest to opt for a move elsewhere.
Just a fortnight ago, Vinnie Leonard agreed to join Norwich City, despite holding talks with Celtic ahead of a departure from Dundalk.
Mason Melia opted to join Tottenham, whilst Michael Noonan has been chased by the Hoops and many others but has opted to stay at Shamrock Rovers until this point.
Liam Scales’ impact at Celtic has been felt since he was quietly brought to Glasgow from Shamrock Rovers, whilst Johnny Kenny had some memorable moments before moving on loan to Bolton in January
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Cathal O’Sullivan injury troubles after Celtic interest
O’Sullivan’s ACL injury couldn’t have arrived at a worse time given his form, and rehabilitation is likely the reason why he is initially joining Preston’s under-21s.
Then-Cork manager Gerard Nash said at the time of the injury: “We are all absolutely gutted for Cathal to have suffered this injury.
“As everybody knows, he is a really talented player with a very promising future, so this is a big setback for him, but we will all rally around him and support him.
“I have no doubt that he will come back stronger from this, and we will all support him in doing so.”
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