CORK soccer player Eoghan O'Connell will captain Rochdale next season.

The 25-year started his career with College Corinthians and Avondale United before he was recruited by Celtic. 

He had loan spells with Oldham, Cork City and Walsall, before a permanent move to Bury and more recently Rochdale. 

The classy centre-back is delighted to have been given the key role by another Leesider, Brian Barry-Murphy.

Former Cork City midfielders Jimmy Keohane and Stephen Dooley were in good form for the League One outfit last season, while ex-Ireland international Paul McShane is another familiar face in the squad.

Eoghan's brother Andy is currently impressing for St Michael's in the Cork Senior A Football Championship and is also a fine soccer player. 

Brian's father, the iconic JBM, is still involved in his beloved Barrs, as a selector alongside Brian Hurley with the minor hurlers.