Celtic are having some injury issues at centre-back at the moment. Both Nir Bitton and Jozo Simunovic look set to be out of action for a while. Kristoffer Ajer is currently injured with a groin strain.
That could perhaps mean that one of Celtic’s new signings could make an immediate debut for the Hoops when they take on Hamilton after the winter break.
That player is the recent signing from Manchester United, Lee O’Connor. O’Connor can play in any position in defence, and it would be interesting to see if the Celtic management team feel that the player is ready for first-team action.
Unable to make breakthrough at Old Trafford
The player was on the fringes of the Manchester United first-team in his team at Old Trafford. He was unable to make a sustained breakthrough into the first-team.
That could be why he has moved to Celtic. A report from United In Focus reveals that the player will be closer to the first-team at Celtic than he managed to be at Manchester United.
Versatility could work in player’s favour
Sometimes it can go against a player to be versatile. However, that does not need to be the case with O’Connor. It could be a bonus for the Hoops that he can play in so many positions. That has worked well for Celtic regarding Nir Bitton.
Would it be a gamble by Celtic to give O’Connor a first-team debut away to Hamilton on an artificial pitch? Quite possibly.
However, we won’t get to know how good the player is unless he gets a game for the first-team. The fact that O’Connor has signed a four-year deal with the Hoops shows that the club believe in the player’s ability.
At 19, he is only a year younger that current first-team regular Mikey Johnston. Therefore, the Hoops should have no worries about giving O’Connor a first-team debut. It could be the making of the player.
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