Anthony O'Connor

Blackburn Rovers

Born in Cork, O'Connor joined the academy setup at Blackburn Rovers 2008, having previously played for Kilreen Celtic and Nu Farm. In the summer of 2010, O'Connor signed his first professional contract. In the summer of 2012, O'Connor signed a one-year contract extension with Blackburn Rovers, and, after a successful loan spell at Burton Albion, Blackburn Rovers manager Steve Kean rewarded O'Connor with a new, improved 2+1⁄2-year extension, which would keep him at Blackburn until the summer of 2015. Ahead of the 2013–14 season, O'Connor was given the number 28 shirt at the club.

Burton Albion (loan)

On 15 August 2012, he joined Football League Two side Burton Albion on an initial one-month loan. His professional debut for Burton came on 18 August 2012, in a 3–0 defeat to Rotherham United at the New York Stadium. On 11 September 2013, O'Connor's loan spell at Burton was extended to January 2013. During that time, he became a regular at the Pirelli Stadium. His loan spell was again extended, this time until the end of the season. In his time at Burton Albion, Gary Rowett said O'Connor was good enough to play in the championship for Blackburn but needed to be given the opportunity. In total, O'Connor made 53 appearances in all competitions for the club during the 2012–13 season, reaching the play-off semifinal, where they lost to Bradford City 5–4 over two legs. Burton Albion attempted to sign O'Connor, but were unsuccessful.

Torquay…

In 2008, O'Connor was called up by Republic of Ireland U17 squad for the qualifying phase of the UEFA Under 17s Championship. After this, O'Connor had represented Republic of Ireland U19 and Republic of Ireland U21.

As of match played on 11 September 2026