BURTON Albion are delighted to confirm the signing of Irish U21 international Thomas O’Connor, who will join the club when his contract at Premier League side Southampton expires.
The 22-year-old, who can play in defence and midfield, will sign a two-year contract to become manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window.
O’Connor, who can play in defence and midfield, was part of the Saints’ fabled Academy for six years and has spent the last two seasons on loan at Gillingham in Sky Bet League One, making 67 appearances for the Gills in that time.
Born in Kilkenny, O’Connor has twice played for Ireland’s U21s and played nine times for the U19s.
“Tom has been out on loan at Gillingham after being at Southampton for many years,” said manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
“He gives us good flexibility and can play in a number of positions - centre-back, left-back and left midfield.
“We’ve brought him in and hopefully we’ll mainly see him in midfield. He’s someone with lots of energy and we’re looking forward to seeing him as a Burton Albion player.”
"I'm delighted to sign up here," said O'Connor.
"I've spent a long time at Southampton which has helped me hugely with how I like to play, I'm versatile and I've got good experience of the league from my two years with Gillingham.
"I played against the gaffer's side twice last season and saw how good they can be so I can't wait to get started!"
Welcome to Burton Albion, Tom!