St Patrick's Athletic defender Luke McNally has secured a cross-channel move to Oxford United.
McNally, 21, had interest from Ipswich Town going back to last summer as well as from Lincoln City, but has put paid to their League One rivals Oxford, who are currently 11th in the table.
After a spell on loan with Drogheda in 2019, the in-demand centre-half was an ever-present in the Saints defence last season. He had been with the Inchicore club since 2017.
McNally told St Pat's TV: “I’m really happy to have signed for Oxford United and I can’t wait to get going now! This is a big opportunity for me and one I’m really looking forward to.
"It’s every kid’s dream to move to England to play football. I’ve had good conversations with the manager (Karl Robinson) and I’m excited to see what the future holds for me."
McNally added his thanks to the Saints and Drogheda for aiding his development.
“I want to thank everyone at St Pats, and those at Drogheda United, for what has been a brilliant few years for me on and off the pitch," he said.
"I've gained great experience and enjoyed every minute of my time at St Pats from the Academy into the first team and my loan at Drogheda too.
"I’d like to wish Stephen O’Donnell, the staff, players, fans and everyone at the club the best of luck for the future. I’ll be looking forward to watching the games on the streams and cheering Pat's on from England!”
Saints head coach Stephen O'Donnell said: “It’s been a pleasure working with and developing Luke over the last year and we wish him all the best in his new adventure.
"He has done his business right and applied himself really well at St Pat’s, and he now has an opportunity to go and pursue his dreams in the UK.
"He has shown great potential, everyone from the club, myself, the staff, players and supporters wish him all the best and we’ll be following his career closely".
