Oxford United: Celtic defender Fiacre Kelleher joins on two-year deal

Fiacre Kelleher has previously been on standby for Republic of Ireland senior squads

Oxford United have signed defender Fiacre Kelleher on a two-year deal from Scottish champions Celtic.

Kelleher, 21, joins the U's despite head coach Michael Appleton set to join Leicester City as assistant manager.

"I came here for the club and, whether he stays or goes, I think the club will still be run brilliantly," Kelleher told BBC Radio Oxford.

"It was a big deal to move from a club I'd been at since 16, but something I needed to do to progress my career."

Kelleher failed to play a senior game for Celtic, but made 25 appearances on loan at Scottish League One side Peterhead last season.

"The interest (from Oxford) came a couple of weeks ago," he added. "When a deal was done, I was really happy to come to the club."

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