Celtic starlet Eoghan O’Connell has stated the influence of Donegal manager Jim McGuinness as crucial to him making the breakthrough in to Neil Lennon’s first team plans at Parkhead.
Cork native Eoghan O’Connell has credited Jim McGuinness in helping him make the breakthrough into the Celtic first team.
The Cork native lavished praise on McGuinness who works closely with the Celtic development squad in his role as a sports psychologist.
O’Connell made his first team debut last month against Ross County and is highly rated by the Celtic management.
O’Connell is also a cousin of Munster and Ireland hero Paul O’Connell.
O’Connell believes the role McGuinness plays in the mental make-up of the young players within the development squad helped him make the breakthrough.
O’Connell told the Irish Sun, “Jim’s been involved quite heavily with the development squad we’re working in.
“His name speaks for itself in Gaelic football terms.
“He’s great and works on psychological stuff with us, on off-field things like your focus.
“It’s about getting into your head and emphasising how important football is to you.
“You have to switch your focus on to playing games and training, that’s what he’s worked on.
“It has helped me hugely in having the confidence in making that transition from the youth team into the first team, his influence has been crucial in terms of my mental development as a player.