Sligo Rovers have boosted their title push by signing ex-Ireland underage skipper Seamas Keogh from Southampton on an 18 month deal.
Sligo native Keogh, 19, was with the Premier League club for the last three years, but didn't feature for the senior side. His last year at the club was disrupted by illness and injury - he contracted Covid in January.
“That took a hit on me for a few months," explained the attacking midfielder.
"I tore my calf as well which was another setback. But I’m fully recovered now thankfully. The last few weeks of training have gone well. This is the fittest I have been in the last 12 months so I’m really happy. I’m ready to play."
Keogh will be surrounded by familiar faces at the Showgrounds as he was with Sligo's under-15 side that included current first team players Niall Morahan, Mark Byrne, Darren Collins and Scott Lynch.
Liam Buckley will have the option of playing him against Longford Town on Saturday, pending international clearance, as Keogh has been in training with the Bit O'Red.
He said: “I grew up going to The Showgrounds every week so to be able to say I’m a first team player is a fantastic feeling and a dream come true.
"It brings a lot of pride to me and my family so I’m delighted.
“It’s a great group as you can see by the results. Everyone has been very welcoming. Liam Buckley and the staff have been very good to me.
"It has made me feel like I’m back at home and made playing football again even better.
"For me, going into a group which is pushing to win every game and play in big competitions is fantastic. It is what every player wants.
“Southampton was brilliant. I gained massive experience being over there at such a young age and played with some fantastic players.
"I really enjoyed my time there. I’m back now and I’m here to focus every day in training to make myself and the team better.”
He added: “I like to play football, I’m a ball-player. Any way I can help the team by getting the ball down and creating chances I will do.
“I want to train as hard as possible. That’s my goal.
"From a team point of view of course there are trophies and European football on offer but I just want to focus on giving everything I have and contributing in whichever way I can to make the team better.”
Liam Buckley said: “Seamas has a very bright future in the game. He is very good technically and really clever on the ball.
"We’ve had him in with us in training and we can see he is going to be a very good addition.
“He is just 19 and at the start of his career. He had a choice of whether to stay in England but he’s made the decision to come home.
"He has family, friends and a familiar club where he knows the opportunity is there for him.
"As well as that, he knows the ambition of the club and the team is going well which he can be part of and add to. I think he has that ambition as well.
“We see him as an offensive player, a great passer and a real ‘baller. He comes straight into contention. He has been part of things for a while.
“As I mentioned, the players here have been doing well so it’s up to Seamas to grab the chance and I think the move is a great one for all concerned.
“It’s not easy to bring in players because we want ones who will add to the group and fit into the environment here. We’re still looking to strengthen if we can.”
