Zack Elbouzedi has completed his move to Lincoln City after a compensation deal with Waterford was thrashed out.
And the Republic of Ireland Under-21 star wants to hit the ground running once eligible to play on January 1.
Elbouzedi’s move to the League One side will be a blow to League of Ireland champions Dundalk who were keen on the winger.
Shamrock Rovers were also known admirers of one of the league’s biggest talents, along with other clubs in England and Scotland.
But Elbouzedi impressed on trial with the Imps earlier this month and has signed what the club described as a ‘long term contract’.
Elbouzedi watched his new club in action at the weekend as he was at the victory over Tranmere Rovers.
He said: “I ended up going back home to Ireland but it was always the goal to come back (to England) and test myself.
“But it had to be the right club and I feel like Lincoln is the right club for me to progress in my career.”
At 17, Elbouzedi moved to West Brom and spent two years at the Hawthorns before joining Scottish side Inverness.
And returning home to Ireland, he turned heads for Waterford in a roller-coaster season for the Blues.
But his performances for Stephen Kenny’s Under-21s are what caught the attention of Lincoln boss Michael Appleton.
Elbouzedi said: “Playing for your country is the best feeling in the world and I’ve been luckily enough to do it from 15s to 21s.
“It’s important for my development to have those opportunities. We’re top of the group, we’ve three more games and are in a great position to qualify.
“There are some tough teams but hopefully I can make the step into the senior team.”
Imps boss Appleton sized up his new signing and said: “He’s a very exciting young player, he’s had a good year in terms of the stuff he’s been doing for Ireland Under 21’s.
“He’s gone under the radar a little playing for Waterford in the Irish League.
“We see this as a little bit of a coup for the football club because there’s been a few clubs showing a lot of interest in him.”
Pending international clearance, Elbouzedi could make his Lincoln debut on New Year’s Day against Peterborough United.
A date with Sunderland follows days later and Elbouzedi said: “Playing in the big games is one of the reasons I’ve come here.
“Hopefully my clearance comes in by then and I’ll be able to play in those games in the New Year.
“At the moment my focus is on coming over here in January and being ready to play and hit the ground running.”
If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
.png?w=600)
