Cork City on Wednesday morning have announced the contract extension of young centre-half Donal O’Connor following his emergence into the side in recent weeks.
O’Connor had penned his first professional contract on Leeside in August of last year. 10 months on and it’s to no surprise that the club were keen to secure the future of the player.
Donal made his debut on the rescheduled Monday night fixture against Treaty United where he came on as a substitute for the remaining few minutes.
Since then, the 18-year-old has featured in the Starting XI in the 2 following games at home to Finn Harps and in the trip east to Ferrycarrig Park. Although, the injury crisis that has set itself upon the City squad may have something to do with this.
What cannot be disputed is the impression he has made. With his staggering height for a player of his age, he shows immense strength in the duel and has also brought a sense of calmness in the City backline that has been lacking with the loss of Rory Feely to injury.
The timing of the extension has been made clearer by Barry Robson as he spoke to corkcityfc.ie, as the 18-year-old has now completed his Leaving Certificate with Christian Brothers College in Cork.
“Now that he has finished school, this is an opportunity for him to come in with us on a full-time basis.”
This looks to be a step in the right direction for City, especially after missing out on larger fees for young talent in recent times like Jaden Umeh, Cathal O’Sullivan and David Dunne.