Scoreline.ie
No Result
View All Result
  • GAA
  • Camogie
  • Soccer
  • Rugby
  • Podcasts
  • Other Sports
Scoreline.ie
No Result
View All Result
Scoreline.ie
No Result
View All Result
The Football Manager Football Show
ADVERTISEMENT

Kilkenny man signs professional contract with Southampton

Stephen Byrne by Stephen Byrne
Wednesday 18 May, 2016
in Soccer
Reading Time: 2 mins read
Image by: Naomi Baker/Southampton FC

Image by: Naomi Baker/Southampton FC

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

A 17-year-old Kilkenny man has put pen to paper on a two and a half-year deal with Premier League side Southampton.

Central midfielder Thomas O Connor got his first professional contract yesterday after only joining the club last year.

Southamptons Academy has produced players like Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana.

The central midfielder successfully completed the first year of his two-year scholarship this season, where he made 18 appearances for Craig Fleming’s Under-18s, and broke into the Under-21s too, making four appearances towards the end of the campaign.

Thomas’s gaa club is Tullogher Rosbercon and he has also won a post primary schools gaelic football medal with Good Counsel New Ross.

Speaking to Southamptonfc.co.uk, the local man said…..

“It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was three or four years of age so it’s hard to believe that this day has finally come. I’m delighted.”

Having started out his career in his native Ireland, O’Connor says the opportunity to develop his career at Saints is one that he couldn’t refuse.

He said: “I started playing soccer when I was about five and I went to a few clubs, but when I came to Southampton I knew it was the right place and I’m just delighted to be offered a contract here. There was no doubt in my mind that this is the right place to come.

“It was difficult at the start, but once I got into the swing of it and got to know the lads I just settled down and playing football every day is something you can’t beat.”

His four appearances for the Under-21s team have left O’Connor wanting a taste of more, and his aim now is to establish himself at that level next season.

“It’s a big step up, but once you get to know the lads there as well in that group and start playing with the lads day-in, day-out you improve too, and it’s always nice to make the step up,” he said.

“I just want to work hard in the off season, get fit in pre-season and hopefully make the step up into the Under-21s next year, that’s the aim.”

Latest podcast from Scoreline.ie

Follow for free on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Latest Updates

Scoreline Extra: The Podcast
Hurling

Scoreline Extra #79 Kilkenny Senior Hurling, Carlow Hurling Championship, Kilkenny Senior Camogie, Irish Open, Cycling and lots more.

by Sinéad Kehoe
5th July 2022
0

Brian Cody on his side's victory over Clare in The All-Ireland Semi-Final on Saturday.

Read more

Carlow man Jack Kehoe named on Irish U18 basketball team for European Championships

Listen back : Mount Leinster Rangers v Naomh Eoin, Carlow SHC Round 3

Full Time #45 Kilkenny All Ireland Finalists, Darragh Joyce on his AFL Career and The Irish Open in Mount Juliet

‘The first half performance was as good as we could ever ask for’ – Brian Cody heaps praise on Kilkenny players following All-Ireland semi-final defeat of Clare

Latest Podcasts

Big Game Live

Listen back : Ballinkillen v Naomh Bríd, Carlow SHC Round 3

5th July 2022
Big Game Live

Big Game Live Retro : Kilkenny v Clare, All Ireland Semi Final (13/08/2006)

1st July 2022
Caman Caint

Camán Caint S2E23: All-Ireland championships final round previews, Poc Fada recap and fixtures clashes

28th June 2022
Caman Caint

Full Time #44 Camogie, Puc Fada Leinster Competition & That Controversial Brawl in The All Ireland Quarter Final between Armagh and Galway

27th June 2022
Scoreline.ie

Scoreline is KCLR's sports brand, bringing you the latest sporting news from Kilkenny, Carlow and around the country. Listen live on-air and online weekends from 2pm.

Follow us on social media:

Recent News

  • Scoreline Extra #79 Kilkenny Senior Hurling, Carlow Hurling Championship, Kilkenny Senior Camogie, Irish Open, Cycling and lots more.
  • Carlow man Jack Kehoe named on Irish U18 basketball team for European Championships
  • Listen back : Mount Leinster Rangers v Naomh Eoin, Carlow SHC Round 3

Podcasts

  • Podcasts Home
  • The Clash Act
  • All Things MMA

© 2022 KCLR · All rights reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • GAA
  • Camogie
  • Soccer
  • Rugby
  • Podcasts
  • Other Sports

© 2022 KCLR · All rights reserved