Virgil van Dijk's former teammate urged him to join Liverpool much sooner

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Former Celtic defender Eoghan O'Connell ditched Gaelic football to play alongside Virgil van Dijk at Celtic, where he advised the Dutch star to choose Liverpool instead of Southampton

Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world(Image: Getty Images)

Former Celtic center-back Eoghan O'Connell has disclosed that he required convincing to abandon Gaelic football in favor of joining the Hoops.

However, the Irishman — who played alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk — maintains that possessing that sporting foundation has allowed him to enjoy an extended and prosperous career in soccer. Neil Lennon moved to secure the young Irishman's services in January 2014, though over the subsequent three and a half years, he would make only 13 appearances for the club, having enjoyed loan spells at Oldham, Walsall, and his native Cork City.

O'Connell — currently plying his trade for EFL League One outfit Barnsley — credits his parents with playing a pivotal part in persuading him to change sports.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, he explained: "To be honest, I was always kind of more of a Gaelic player than a footballer.

"It was more that a lot of the lads who were going over at my age had always been fans, whereas my (decision) was more of a conversation with my parents along the lines of 'I might as well give this a blast' and see what happens.

"15 years later, I am still hanging on.

"Growing up and being in that environment with a Gaelic and hurling background, it's kind of put me in good stead and obviously I still keep a huge eye on that and my club back home."

Eoghan O'Connell in action against Luis Suarez(Image: Getty Images)

O'Connell netted an own-goal for Celtic during only his second outing in a 1-0 defeat to Inverness, yet received praise from Brendan Rodgers as "outstanding" following his Champions League bow in a 1-1 qualifying draw against FC Astana in July 2016.

The center-half went on to feature for the Hoops in their chastening 7-0 defeat to Barcelona later that campaign, coming on for Erik Sviatchenko during the final 22 minutes of action at the Camp Nou.

O'Connell — who departed Celtic to join Bury in 2017 — had the privilege of playing alongside Van Dijk.

In an interview last year, O'Connell disclosed how he told the Dutchman that he was more than capable of moving to Anfield rather than Southampton initially.

He remembered: "For me, he is the best center-back in the world, an unbelievable player.

"When [Van Dijk] first signed for Celtic, I remember going out onto the training ground and being blown away by the size of the guy. He's just a huge man.

"When the talk started about him leaving, and he went to Southampton, I was urging him to go to Liverpool even then."