LESS than 10 months ago Eoghan O’Connell was charged with keeping out Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Co at Camp Nou – now he is a Shaker.

The Irishman played the final 22 minutes for Celtic as they were downed 7-0 by the five-time Champions League winners in Europe’s most prestigious competition.

For most footballers, playing at Camp Nou would be viewed as the pinnacle of their career, but for O’Connell it was the chance to gain valuable experience as part of a learning curve that has led him to Gigg Lane.

“I was a little surprised, actually,” O’Connell told Bury Times, reflecting on his Camp Nou call-up.

“I travelled over there but didn’t expect to be in the squad because I hadn’t been involved for a couple of weeks. We trained on the ground the night before and were taking it all in. I found out I was on the bench on the night and when I was called on I was surprised.

“It was already 5-0 by that time so it wasn’t ideal, but personally for me as a young player, looking back, it was a good experience.”

First-team action was limited at Celtic Park so the defender grabbed the chance to be loaned out to Walsall, Bury’s first opponents on the opening day of the coming season.

The 21-year-old spent the last six months of the season at the Banks’s Stadium, where he established himself as a regular starter, making 17 appearances.

When his contract at Celtic ran out in the summer, Saddlers boss Jon Witney was keen to sign him, but he was pipped by Bury boss Lee Clark.

“When I spoke to the manager and saw the squad he was building, it was impressive,” added O’Connell. “He said to me he wants to have a right go at it (promotion) this year and I just wanted to be part of that.

“I signed a three-year deal, so it is a great base to really kick-start my career now. The training ground is very impressive so we have not got any excuses.

“I enjoyed my time at Celtic but struggled to get regular playing time. Sometimes these things happen in football.

“I had a brilliant time up there and made some great friends and would not say a bad word about anybody. I wish them all the best.”

O’Connell will meet his new team-mates when the squad returns for fitness tests next Thursday. And the centre-back is already relishing his first competitive match in a Shakers shirt.

“We had to play them (Walsall) at some point,” he said. “It will be a bit strange for me because I know a lot of the lads there and the manager was very good to me.

“But I’m playing for Bury now so we will just be focusing on getting the win.

“For me, I treat every game the same so it won’t be any different, I just can’t wait for it all to get started now.”