Celtic defender Eoghan O’connell is hoping he can build on his appearance against Astana and secure a regular spot under Brendan Rodgers this season.
The Scottish champions picked up a 1-1 draw with Khazakh side Astana in their Champions League qualifying third-round first-leg tie on Wednesday.
O’Connell was trusted to play 90 minutes in the heart of defence alongside Nigerian Efe Ambrose and performed well on a tricky night.
The 20-year-old, who is a product of the club’s youth academy, was making his fifth senior Hoops appearance and hopes he can add to that tally this season.
However, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international faces stiff competition for a regular berth with Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko also pushing for starting places.
Summer signing Kolo Toure is likely to play a big role too after securing a reunion with Rodgers following his release by Liverpool.
Rodgers revealed that Toure will be registered as a UEFA wildcard and is set to be available for the second-leg clash with Astana at home on Tuesday.
O’Connell has spent time on loan with Oldham and Cork City over recent years and, despite competition for places, he is eager to remain with Celtic, who are priced at 1.25 to win the Scottish Premiership, for the entire 2016-17 campaign.
“It (the Astana game) is something I have to build on,” he said. “There is no point in me staying here, playing a game and then taking a step down.
I will be looking to push on from this. Of course I will.
“The manager said to me before the game to take this game and then build on it. That is what I will be looking to do.”
O’Connell added: “It is obviously the manager’s decision (who plays against Astana in Glasgow).
He picks the team and Kolo Toure is obviously a very experienced player. He has played at the highest level for the last 15 years and shown his qualities.
“I will work hard in training. We have another game against Barcelona on Saturday.
I will do the best I can in that and then just take it from there.”
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