Luca Connell

Luca John Connell (born 20 April 2001) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender or midfielder for Scottish Premier League club Celtic.

He has represented the Republic of Ireland at under-17 to under-21 levels.

International Career

Connell is eligible to represent England and the Republic of Ireland.

In August 2017, Connell was invited to train with the Republic of Ireland under-17 squad. On 21 March 2018, Connell made his international debut at under-17 level in a 3–0 win against Macedonia. Three days later, he featured in a 2–0 victory against Georgia. In May 2018, Connell made two appearances in the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship group stages, playing in wins against Denmark and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

He was called up to the under-18s for the first time in November 2018, and made his debut in a 2–1 win against Belgium. In the following days, Connell started in a 3–1 defeat to England and 1–0 win against the Netherlands. In March 2019, he was called up to the under-19s. Connell featured in victories against Romania, Azerbaijan and Russia as Ireland qualified for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

In May 2019 he received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior national team. Connell's first trip with the Republic of Ireland squad ended prematurely though as he was forced to pull out of the squad with a thigh strain.

Connell made his Republic of Ireland U21 debut on the 26 March 2021, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 win over Wales U21 in Wrexham.