New signing to grasp chance at Ross County
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Michael O’Connor is determined to take his chance at Ross County with both hands after an up-and-down start to his career.
The 22-year-old is highly-rated on either side of the Irish border for his exploits on the pitch, but earlier this year opened up on a gambling addiction that had affected his outside of football.
That has meant that even at a young age, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international has plied his trade for five clubs, most recently Waterford, before coming to Dingwall.
O’Connor’s ability has never been in question, and he came close to sealing a move to Burnley before that fell through because of his gambling issues.
Similarly, Staggies boss Stuart Kettlewell has said that his new signing would not have been ready to sign for the Staggies a year ago.
Both player and manager are confident those issues are behind O’Connor though, and the forward is desperate to make the most of his opportunity to play in the Scottish Premiership.
“I’ve put that behind me, the past is in the past and this is a new chapter for me,” O’Connor insisted.
“It did ruin a move to Burnley but everyone in life makes mistakes. I wasn’t ready then, I’d be lying if I said I was because I wasn’t.
“I rejoined Waterford instead, became the captain at 21 and put my head down for a couple of months.
“I always believed in myself. When I got knocked down, I kept going, and I believed that my ability would take me to another opportunity – and thankfully it did.
“I put my head down for a couple of months, and it has led me to a great opportunity here and now and I’m going to take it with both hands.”
Kettlewell has also described O’Connor as a project, noting that expectations on the Irishman should not be too high, too soon.
There were similar things said about Ross Stewart at first, and he became the club’s star man in the Premiership last season.
Naturally though, O’Connor wants to break into the first team as soon as possible, and having left Waterford on the brink of qualifying for Europe he even hopes to get there with his new teammates.
“I feel ready now,” O’Connor said.
“I’ve witnessed what it’s like playing at a high level in Ireland with Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers, and I can adapt to things very quickly.
“I don’t see why County can’t reach Europe – football is a funny old game, and with no fans now it’s difficult for the top teams like Rangers and Celtic to get results.
“We could easily go to Ibrox on Sunday and get a result, so I don’t see why this club can’t push on.”
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