Updated at 23.42
CELTIC HAVE SIGNED winger Michael Duffy from League of Ireland side Derry City after the player agreed personal terms with the club, it has been confirmed.
Derry confirmed that the deal had been concluded earlier today, while the player also tweeted his delight at signing.
The Scottish Premiership champions had the 20-year-old over to Celtic Park for two trials, where he impressed by scoring two goals in a friendly game against Newcastle United Under-21s, and were in negotiations with Derry.
Duffy refused to go on a third trial with the Glasgow club and instead spent a separate period on trial with English Championship outfit Brentford.
However, Celtic subsequently agreed a fee for the Northern Ireland Under-21 international, reported to be in the region of €330,000 (£250,000) and the player is discussing personal terms with the club.
We have agreed a deal with Celtic for Michael Duffy,” said Derry City chief executive Sean Barrett, speaking to STV earlier.
“We thought it was dead in the water, then Celtic contacted at us to say they wanted to sign him. I believe Michael is discussing personal terms”
Duffy scored 16 goals from midfield for City in 2014 and recently signed a contract extension with the club until 2016.
Meanwhile, it’s also been confirmed by Celtic that Eoghan O’Connell — cousin of Irish rugby star Paul — has signed a new two-year deal with the club.
Speaking to Celtic’s official website, O’Connell said: “I’m delighted and just happy to get it done. Now I’ll try and kick on from here and get on with the rest of the season.
“I’m at an interesting stage between the Development Side and the first-team, and it’s all about working as hard as I can and taking a chance when I get them.
“When I’ve played I feel I have done that, and if I can keep working hard and impressing then hopefully it will work out for me.
“Making my debut at the end of last season was a good thing as it gave me a good platform coming into the next season and show what I could do.
“I’ve made a few appearances this year, which has been good, but I’m not taking anything for granted. I will be working away as always and this contract is just another stepping stone I have to use to get better and where I need to be.
“I will be 21 or 22 by the end of the contract and I would want to be playing for the team by then, and that’s what I will certainly be looking to do, forcing my way in whilst continuing to work hard.”
- Ryan Kelly, Goal.com
Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy
