CELTIC youngster Barry Coffey has joined Cork City on loan.

The 20-year-old has penned a temporary season-long switch to the Irish side.

Cork currently sit ninth in the Irish First Division after being relegated from the League of Ireland Premier Division last term.

Now Coffey, who knows boss Colin Healy, is aiming to take the club "back to where it should be" and gain vital first-team experience.

READ MORE: Celtic 'in talks' to sign Joe Hart from Tottenham in search for new keeper

He told the club website: “I am very excited to be here. I know Colin (Healy) well from the Irish set-up and that played a big part in me wanting to come to Cork City. It’s a massive club and I know myself where this club belongs, so I want to play my part in trying to get the club back to where it should be.

“Coming here to get first team football and gain experience will help my career, and I hope I can play well and help Cork City as well while I am here.

"I like to get on the ball, get into attacking positions and get goals and assists, so I will give everything I can and hope I can help the team.”

Cork City boss Colin Healy added: “I am very pleased to have Barry joining us for the rest of the season. He’s a player I know well from the international set-up and I believe he will add quality to our group.

"We have been working hard over the last few weeks to identify players that we feel can add to the lads who are already here and I think Barry fits that bill.”