Walsall sign Celtic's Eoghan O'Connell on loan for rest of season

Celtic defender Eoghan O'Connell has joined League One side Walsall on loan for the rest of the season.

O'Connell has played seven times for the runaway Scottish Premiership leaders this season, with his last outing in September a memorable one.

The 21-year-old was in Brendan Rodgers' squad for the Champions League clash with Barcelona at the Nou Camp, coming on with just over 20 minutes remaining of a game they went on to lose 7-0.

Live EFL

O'Connell had a loan spell in League One last season with Oldham Athletic but that was cut short after two games by injury.

"I'm really looking forward to getting started," O'Connell told Walsall's official website.

"I heard about the interest last week and it took perhaps a little longer to get done than we would have hoped. 

Live Scottish Cup Football

"I spoke to the manager and he was really keen for me to come down, and as soon as I'd spoken to him, I was really excited to come here and be a part of it. 

"Coming through at Celtic, we were always taught to play it out from the back and I like winning games - I don't like losing. 

"I played a few games for Celtic at the start of the year but I've not played as much recently and I wanted to get out and play. 

"This opportunity came up and I'm really excited about it. I'm looking forward to working with the gaffer and I'll try my best for Walsall."