Crystal Palace have signed Cork City defender Jake O’Brien on a permanent deal.
The centre-back, 20, initially joined the Premier League club on loan in February and impressed in the Under-23s.
He was working under ex-League of Ireland midfielder Stephen Rice who was one of the Palace coaches with that team.
But Rice left on Friday to become opposition analyst and chief scout for Stephen Kenny’s Ireland team.
Palace had the option to make O’Brien’s loan deal permanent and have taken that up for an undisclosed fee.
Cork City boss Colin Healy said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Jake, and we wish him well.
“Jake is yet another player to come through our academy and go on to play first-team football, so we are very proud of the pathway that exists for our young players.
“He is a great lad and a credit to his family; he always worked exceptionally hard in training every day, and he deserves this opportunity.
“We have come to an agreement that we believe represents a good deal for all parties and we look forward to following Jake’s career with interest.”
And Rebels chairman Declan Carey said: “We wish Jake all the best in his permanent move. He is an extremely hard worker.
“This is another sign of the fantastic work from our Academy coaches and Jake's Cork Schoolboy's League club, Youghal United.”
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