Walsall manager Jon Whitney has spoken to club journalists following the news that Celtic defender Eoghan O'Connell has joined the club on loan until the end of the season, and has encouraged the Republic of Ireland Under 21 international to make the most of his loan spell.
Speaking via Saddlers.co.uk, Jon said; "Eoghan is a target we’ve been tracking for a few weeks now and we’ve been trying to get the deal done. He’s highly sought after and we’ve had to fight off some competition from clubs in England and the Scottish Premier League.
"He wants to test himself south of the border so we’re delighted to get this one over the line. He’s an aggressive defender but he’s also very good on the ball. Technically he’s a player who’s playing beyond his years and he’s very well thought of at Celtic.
"He’s played in the Champions League and Brendan spoke highly of him so he’ll be a really good addition to the group and from our profiling and referencing he seems to have a very good character as well which is important.
"It’s an area we felt needed strengthening because it’s clear that we’re short of bodies at the back. The lads have done well back there but we felt we needed to get another one in going into the second half of the season. Its up to him now to show us what he’s about and force his way into the team."