CELTIC youngster Eoghan O’Connell has unshakeable belief in his ability to retain his place in an over-subscribed Hoops defence.
The 20-year-old centre-back made his Celtic debut against Ross County at Parkhead in March 2014, but progression was neither quick nor smooth, and two loan spells at Oldham and hometown club Cork City last season ended through ankle and groin injuries respectively.
Defenders Dedryck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic missed the start of this season through injury and when Erik Sviatchenko picked up a groin complaint it allowed O’Connell to impress new boss Brendan Rodgers.
And, although former Arsenal and Manchester City star Kolo Toure was added to the squad, the Irishman kept his place at the expense of Efe Ambrose.
O’Connell is certain to play in the Betfred Cup last-16 tie against Motherwell at Celtic Park tonight as Ambrose is suspended and Toure a doubt after playing his first 90 minutes of the season in the 2-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday.
Left-back Kieran Tierney’s shoulder knock renders him a doubt, while midfielder Stefan Johansen and Leigh Griffiths will also serve a one-game bans from last season.
But O’Connell is looking to keep his place even when Rodgers hashis full complement of players back.
“Last year was tough, I had to keep going through injury twice but I have always had belief,” he said.
“I made my debut three seasons ago and I had the belief since then that I was ready to play if called upon and I felt I did quite well.
“Sometimes it just doesn’t happen, but I don’t think you can ever lose that belief or that mentality.
“I certainly didn’t lose belief and I didn’t let it get me down. Yes, it was tough but I kept going through it.
“I knew there was a chance when I came back for pre-season so I worked as hard as I could.
“You have to believe in yourself and the games I have played, I have been happy with the way it went.
“The manager said he trusts me and it is good he has faith in me.
“But I don’t think I would be here if I wasn’t ready to play.
“I didn’t really get that chance when the previous manager (Ronny Deila) was here but that’s football.”
Celtic coach John Kennedybelieves it is down to O’Connell to show that deserves to keep his place.
“He has developed, worked hard and is getting the reward for that. But it comes down to performances.
“The time was right to put him in and he rewarded the manager and everyone else with his performances and it is up to him to stay there.”
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