James Brown insists the time is right to make waves in English football after sealing his move to Blackburn Rovers.
The wing-back today completed his switch to the Championship high-flyers from Drogheda United, although the length of his deal was not disclosed.
Brown, 23, impressed in the League of Ireland last season and was named on the PFA Ireland’s Premier Division ‘Team of the Year’.
But while he had options in Ireland with St Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk both admirers, Blackburn’s interest was too strong to turn down.
He impressed on trial last month and said at his unveiling today: “I had offers in Ireland and had pressure to make a decision.
“But this was the number one goal, I had to grab the trial with both hands. It’s an unbelievable beginning to 2022 and I can’t wait to get started.
“A lot of lads go over to England when they’re younger and then end up coming back to Ireland.
“It was different for me, I had a few trials that didn’t work out but everything happens for a reason and I feel I’m mature enough now to take on the challenge.”
Brown continued: “Since I first came over in December, I’ve been itching for this deal to get done.
“It’s been a crazy last few weeks, I wasn’t thinking about Christmas really because my full focus has been on getting something with Rovers.
“Christmas dragged by and I just tried to keep myself ticking over and staying fit. I was nervous and excited when I first came over from Ireland.
“But once I met the lads and met Darragh [Lenihan, the Ireland international], who's five minutes away from me in Ireland, I settled in really quickly.”
Brown is eager to impress at his new club who - under Tony Mowbray - sit second in the Championship, three points behind leaders Bournemouth.
He is expected to feature initially for the Under-23s but told the Blackburn Rovers website: “The platform in England is crazy, it’s a different ball game altogether.
“I want to get my head down, work hard and make the most of it."
Meanwhile, Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Killian Cahill has joined Premier League side Brighton.
The 18-year-old spent the last seven years in the Hoops academy and bows out after winning the U19 League of Ireland in November.
