Damien Duff has hailed Adam Thomas' "amazing desire" to pursue a career in Europe after signing the Kiwi for Shels.
Defender Thomas, 29, arrived at Tolka Park well ahead of the new Premier Division season, which gets underway on Friday night.
The newly-promoted Reds open their account in a mouth-watering Dublin derby with St Pat's.
“Adam has shown amazing desire to come to Europe off his own back to pursue a career here," said Duff.
"He has trained really well with us and has settled brilliantly with the squad.
"He has a lot of quality and has the versatility to play many positions. He is a great addition to the group.”
Thomas was previously with Team Wellington and most recently Oakleigh Cannons in Australia.
He played at the 2012 Olympics for New Zealand as well as being capped at several underage levels for the Kiwis.
And he has been with Shels for their pre-season preparations, having initially trained in Sweden after football in Australia came to a halt due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“Training has been class with the standards really high along with the intensity and focus on position which I have really enjoyed," said Thomas.
"I’ve talked to a couple of people I know in the league and I’m looking forward to the new challenge.
"It’s a huge opportunity for myself to be coached by Damien Duff and from a defenders point of view with Joey O’Brien, who is top class. It’s very exciting.”
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