Celtic fans were very impressed with their young Irish defender on his European debut

An impressive European debut for Eoghan O'Connell.

Celtic secured a valuable 1-1 draw in their Champions League third-round qualifier away to Astana. Brendan Rodgers' side went behind to the side from Kazakhstan after 19 minutes following a defence mix-up on a corner.

For long periods of the game, it appeared as though Celtic would be returning to Glasgow empty-handed. However, their chances of progression to the final qualifying round of Europe's top club competition was greatly aided by Leigh Griffiths' strike 12 minutes from full-time.

The striker showed great composure to finish beyond the Astana 'keeper, following some good work down Celtic's right hand side by Patrick Roberts.

It was the performance of Eoghan O'Connell that appeared to catch the eye the most in the game though. The 20-year-old defender from Cork, and cousin of former Ireland rugby captain Paul O'Connell, was drafted into the team due to Celtic's injury problems, but didn't look out of place.

Hoops' fans were very impressed.

@celticfc Get in there hon the Bhoys Roberts excellent. O Connell class tonight — Patrick Keane (@pakeane1984) July 27, 2016

Give Eoghan O'Connell time and I can see him doing very well at Celtic in the future. — Rachel Lynch (@Rachel_Lynchx) July 27, 2016

O'Connell playing out of his skin!!! — Radar (@Radar1888) July 27, 2016

Eoghan O'Connell 👊🍀 — Ross McGinley (@RossMcGinley3) July 27, 2016

Eoghan O'Connell has been immense today. So composed for a 20 year old in the biggest game of his career. Really, really impressed 🍀 — Conor Wisdom (@ConorWisdom) July 27, 2016

Really impresed with young O'Connell. Stands out like a real pro. Puts the rest of the experienced players to shame. — James McCall 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@j4mcc4ll) July 27, 2016

What a player the boy O Connell is going to be, looks a Rolls Royce in this game — Patrick Cregg (@PadgeCregg) July 27, 2016

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