Bury Football Club is delighted to announce that defender Eoghan O'Connell is our latest summer signing...

The Irish defender joins the Shakers on a three-year deal after leaving Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.

O'Connell made seven appearances for Celtic during the 2016-17 season, including a Champions League cameo at the Nou Camp in September, after impressing during qualifiers against Astana and Hapoel Be'er Sheva. He scored his first goal for the Hoops in July 2016 in the International Champions Cup match against Premier League champions Leicester City.

21-year-old O’Connell joined Celtic in 2013 and was almost instantly seen to be knocking on the first-team door, this saw him named Academy Player of the Year at the annual Celtic Player of the Year awards for 2014-15. He was given his Scottish Premiership debut against Ross County on 29th March 2014.

During his time at the Club Eoghan had loan spells with Oldham Athletic, Cork City, his hometown club, and most recently Walsall, who had to fight off competition from several clubs in England and the Scottish Professional Football League.

O’Connell has also represented the Republic of Ireland up to Under 21 level.

Lee Clark spoke of his delight, stating “I'm thrilled that we were able to secure Eoghan's signature as he's a highly sought after young player.

"I obviously know a lot about Eoghan from my time up in Scotland. He has fantastic potential and is a player who has played Champions League football at such a young age in a strong Celtic side.

“I believe that he's a fantastic signing for the Club. Bringing another defender to the squad adds more competition and it will be great to see players with lots of quality challenging for the places available in the starting 11.

'I'm also delighted about the backing from the Chairman as I know that 5 or 6 other clubs approached Eoghan.

“Eoghan will strengthen the squad and we hope that we can help him further his international career.”

Today we spoke with Eoghan who added:

“I have come to the stage in my career where I just want to play football all the time. The Manager made it clear that he had a big interest in me and wanted me to come to the Club. It was all done quite quickly, and I'm delighted to be here. I'm just looking forward to getting started now.

“I chose to come to England as I was on loan with Walsall and I really enjoyed playing. As I said earlier, I am at an age where I want to be playing all of the time and I enjoyed my time in the English League. There's a bit more to it down here. Bury are looking to have a big season, they've made a big statement with the players that have signed.

“I know that Lee wanted me to go to Kilmarnock whilst he was managing there, but it just never happened at that time. It's just very nice to be wanted and I'm just happy we could get it done this time. I am now just really keen to get the season underway and start working with the Gaffer.