CELTIC youngster Barry Coffey has extended his loan spell with Cork City to head into the new season with the Irish club.

Midfielder Coffey, 20, spent the second half of last season with the League of Ireland First Division club and has re-joined for a second stint.

The Celtic starlet earned rave reviews for his performances at Cork and was even named the club's player of the month in August.

In all, Coffey netted five times in 12 matches from midfield as Cork finished in sixth place in the league.

Now he's revealed his delight at returning to the club as he shared his hopes for full capacity at matches after crowd limitations during his previous spell.

He told the Cork City website: “I’m delighted to get it done and delighted that it is done before pre-season starts, so I know what I am doing and where I am going. Coming back to Cork City is a very exciting way to start 2022, so I am over the moon.

“I am very excited for the club and the team, and the aim now is to push on and, hopefully, have a great season.

"It was unfortunate that crowds were limited for a while with everything that was going on, but I was well welcomed by the fans and I want to perform for them.

"I am really looking forward to seeing them come out in their numbers again, and hopefully we will get big crowds in again once the season starts.”

Cork boss Colin Healy added: “Barry obviously came in for the second half of last season, and he made a big impact, so we are very pleased to have him back here again.

"He has shown that he has an eye for goal and we are looking for more of the same from him again in 2022.

"It is great to have him back on board, and I would like to thank Celtic for their assistance in getting this deal done.”