Ipswich have signed former Liverpool youth player Shane O'Connor on a one-year deal at Portman Road.

The 19-year-old Irishman - who can play in defence or midfield - has featured in Ipswich's pre-season friendlies.

O'Connor signed for the club after impressing Roy Keane while on trial during pre-season training.

"I got a couple of goals against Gorleston and then the manager offered me a contract and I was shocked to be honest but thrilled," said O'Connor.

He told the club website: "I trained with the first team as soon as I came over and that gave me a great lift.

I didn't want to go back to Ireland and drift out of the game and maybe end up playing Sunday League Ipswich utility man Shane O'Connor

"I know I have been lucky in the way it has come about and now I've got to take advantage of it.

"I was worried whether I was going to get offered anything and thought it might be my last chance.

"I didn't want to go back to Ireland and drift out of the game and maybe end up playing Sunday League so I was really choked when the manager said he'd give me a year's contract.

"Now I've got a big year in front of me and obviously my target is to do enough on that time to stay here longer."

O'Connor is Keane's third signing from his hometown Cork this summer - following midfielder Colin Healy and left-back Damien Delaney to Portman Road.

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