Lee O'Connor (footballer)

Lee Patrick O'Connor (born 28 July 2000) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Tranmere Rovers and the Republic of Ireland national team. He has also spent time on loan at Partick Thistle.

Early career
In 2016, O'Connor moved from Villa F.C. of Waterford to the Manchester United youth team, signing a three-year contract. On 6 August 2019, O'Connor played an EFL Trophy match for Manchester United U21s away to Rotherham United, winning 2–0 at the New York Stadium.

Celtic
In September 2019, O'Connor joined Celtic, signing a four-year contract until 2023.

Partick Thistle loan
In January 2020, O'Connor joined Scottish Championship club Partick Thistle on loan, joining Ian McCall's side for the second half of the season. He made his debut in senior club football on 25 January 2020, in a 2–1 loss to Arbroath. He made five appearances in all competitions for the club before the season was ended prematurely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tranmere Rovers
O'Connor joined League Two club Tranmere Rovers on 17 August 2020 on a season-long loan. He made 42 appearances over the course of the season and returned to Celtic for pre-season. O'Connor returned to Tranmere Rovers on another season long loan on transfer deadline day, 31 August 2021. The transfer was made permanent in January 2022.

International career
O'Connor made his international debut, and recorded an assist, for the Republic of Ireland on 14 November 2019 in a friendly match against New Zealand. O'Connor was announced as the FAI Under-21 International Player of the Year for 2019 on 4 August 2020. O'Connor holds the record number of underage appearances for the Republic of Ireland with 78 appearances across all underage teams.

Honours
Individual
 * FAI Under-15 International Player of the Year: 2015
 * FAI Under-19 International Player of the Year: 2018
 * FAI Under-21 International Player of the Year: 2019