CELTIC defender Lee O'Connor has joined Partick Thistle on loan until the end of the season, the club have confirmed.

The 19-year-old Irish right-back completed a move to Parkhead from Manchester United but is yet to make his debut for Neil Lennon's side.

O'Connor picked up his first senior cap for his country - and grabbed an assist - in a 3-1 friendly win over New Zealand in November.

In an interview with Thistle's media channel Jagzone, O'Connor said he was looking forward to playing regular football for the Jags.

"I think it's ideal," he said. "It's quite close by so Celtic can keep an eye on me and it means I don't have to move again. It's perfect for me to showcase what I can do in men's football.

"It's extremely important [to get first-team football]. You see a lot of players who just fall away because they're playing too many reserve games and it's not real football. This is something I wanted to do and I'm excited to get going.

"First and foremost I'm a defender. I like tackling and heading but I like getting forward as well. Hopefully I can show the fans that.

"I thought [Thistle] did well [against Celtic last Saturday]. Obviously Celtic were very strong and probably expected to win but I thought Thistle held their own and if it wasn't for the deflected goal they could have nicked a goal at the end.

"I just want to play week in, week out and hopefully climb the table."