League One side Barnsley FC bring in former Celtic midfielder Luca Connell on a three-year contract

BARNSLEY have completed the signing of former Celtic midfielder Luca Connell on a free transfer, with the 21-year-old penning a three-year deal.

The Liverpool-born player, who has represented the Republic of Ireland up to under-21 level, joined the SPL giants in June 2019 after leaving Bolton Wanderers, for whom he made ten appearances.

Connell joined Bolton's youth ranks at the under-nines age group and broke into the first-team picture under Phil Parkinson during the 2018-19 season.

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With Bolton beset by administration problems in 2019, the schemer was allowed to leave for Celtic for a small fee.

Latest Barnsley signing Luca Connell. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.Latest Barnsley signing Luca Connell. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.
Latest Barnsley signing Luca Connell. Picture courtesy of Barnsley FC.

While on the books at Celtic, Connell spent two loan spells across Glasgow at Queen's Park and helped the club to back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship, making 43 appearances for the Hampden Park outfit.

He was recently released by the Hoops.

The left-sided player, whose arrival follows on from the capture of New Zealand international keeper Jamie Searle, said: “I’m over the moon to finally get it done.

“Over the years, there’s been some speculation about it happening, but I’m finally here and I’m happy to be a Barnsley player.

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“My agent is from Barnsley, so he’s told me about the history of the club. He brought (Conor) Hourihane and (Kieran) Tripper to the club, so there’s high standards.

"I just know that we need to bounce back to get this club back where it belongs."

Barnsley chief executive officer Khaled El-Ahmad added: “We are pleased that Luca has chosen Barnsley to continue his promising career and are looking forward to seeing his development in a Reds shirt.”