Aberdeen have this afternoon signed former Ireland U21 international Anthony O'Connor.

The 23-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, was raised in Cork, before joining the Blackburn Rovers youth academy in 2009.

Three years later he signed a professional contract with the Lancashire club and after initially signing a one year deal he was later given a longer term contract.

In August 2012, he joined Football League Two side Burton Albion on a one-month loan before his deal was extended for the season. Playing alongside former Don Zander Diamond, he made 53 appearances in 2012-13 and helped Burton through to the League Two Play-Off’s.

In the 2013-14 season, O’Connor joined Torquay and won their Young Player of the Season award. During some of his stay at Plainmoor he played alongside new Aberdeen striker Jayden Stockley.

For the 2014-15 campaign Anthony moved along the south coast to Plymouth Argyle, again on loan and made 46 starts and two substitute appearances for Argyle that year, mainly as a defensive midfielder.

In February 2015 O'Connor signed for Plymouth, with the club taking over his existing contract with Blackburn. O'Connor was a key player for them as they reached the play-offs before losing 5-3 on aggregate to Wycombe Wanderers in the semi-finals.

In July 2015, O'Connor signed a two-year deal with Burton Albion, returning to the Pirelli Stadium and last year he made 24 appearances for the Staffordshire club.

In 2008, O'Connor was called up by Republic of Ireland U17 squad for the qualifying section of the UEFA Under 17s Championship. He has represented the Republic of Ireland at every level from U15s up to the Republic of Ireland U21s. At U21 level he went on to win 8 caps.  

Anthony flew into Aberdeen this afternoon. After completing his medical and all the paperwork he spoke to
RedTV. To watch the interview please go to RedTV now.

The new Aberdeen player is likely to be involved in the pre-season friendly against Brechin City on Sunday.
*Please note the club have signed the player pending receipt of international clearance.