St Pat's have completed a deadline day swoop for Reading striker Nahum Melvin-Lambert.
The 18-year-old signed his first pro contract with the Royals today before being loaned out to the Dubliners until the summer, where he will wear the No 9 shirt.
Melvin-Lambert made two first-team appearances for Reading in the League Cup last September.
And he came off the bench in the Royals’ 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat to Luton Town last month.
A regular in Readings Under-23s and Under-18s, he has scored 12 goals across those levels this season.
Saints boss Stephen O’Donnell said: “I’m delighted to get Nahum on board before the deadline.
“He has a great goalscoring record in the Reading Under-23s and has scored six goals in his last 11 games and 12 in total this season.
“Nahum will give us a lot more attacking options. He’s excited about the move and about getting going in League of Ireland first team football.”
Melvin-Lambert is the third St Pats signing this week after Paddy Barrett and West Ham youngster Alfie Lewis.
“I’m very happy to have joined St Pat’s and I’m looking forward to getting started,” said the teenage striker.
“I’ve had good conversations with Stephen (O’Donnell) after my agent told me about the option to go on loan.
“I’ve heard a lot about the club and the league. This is a great opportunity for me, it’s an exciting challenge and one I’m ready for.
“I’m looking forward to the physical side and the competitiveness of the league and to playing in games with points on the line.”
