Celtic defender Eoghan O'Connell has joined Walsall on loan until the end of the season.

The Irish defender is out of contract at the end of the season and he will spend the final six months of his current deal with the English League One side.

O'Connell featured early in Brendan Rodgers' reign, playing in the centre of defence during Champions League qualifiers against Astana and Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

The 21-year-old's last appearance came off the bench during September's 7-0 loss to Barcelona in the Scottish champions' opening group game.

Kilmarnock were linked with a move for the player but he has chosen to join the Saddlers.

O'Connell told Walsall's website: "I heard about the interest last week and it took perhaps a little longer to get done than we would have hoped.

"I spoke to the manager and he was really keen for me to come down and as soon as I'd spoken to him I was really excited to come here and be a part of it.

"Coming through at Celtic, we were always taught to play it out from the back and I like winning games - I don't like losing."

He added: "I played a few games for Celtic at the start of the year but I've not played as much recently and I wanted to get out and play.

"This opportunity came up and I'm really excited about it. I'm looking forward to working with the gaffer and I'll try my best for Walsall."