JOE O’BRIEN-WHITMARSH has joined Accrington Stanley on loan from Southampton until the summer.
The 19-year-old has been a regular scorer in Premier League 2 since moving from Cork City a year ago and made his first-team debut in a Carabao Cup tie against Cardiff City.
And he will now get to add to the significant first-team experience he gained for the Leesiders during the 2023 campaign.
O’Brien Whitmarsh said: “I just really wanted to get back into men’s football. I had a period back home in Ireland playing men’s football.
“I played for Cork City, I spent five seasons there and one year in the first team. I played around 25-30 times so I am not naive to men’s football.
“I moved to Southampton just over 12 months ago and have been playing 21s football.
“I have had the odd time training with the first team and made my debut in the Carabao Cup.
“I feel I can offer something positive here and this was the perfect opportunity for me.
“I like to score goals. Hopefully I can chip in with a few goals, create a few chances and help the team.
“This is a step up in my career.
“I have had all these challenges throughout my career and been able to overcome them so this is another challenge. It’s very exciting.”
Elsewhere, Cork City have signed Preston North End ace Kitt Nelson on loan after player penned a new long-term deal with Championship side.
Nelson, 20, should get his first taste of men’s football with the Leesiders after agreeing a switch to Turner’s Cross until June 30.
Nelson said: “I’ve been here since I was eight so to sign a new deal, I’m just delighted and looking forward to the hard work ahead.
“I’m really excited for my loan spell at Cork now. They’ve got good fans out there and they’re a big ambitious club.
“So, I’m delighted with the opportunity to get some more experience.”
