Cork swoop for Shane O'Connor

Cork City have won the race to sign former Republic of Ireland under-21 international Shane O’Connor.

O’Connor was released by Ipswich Town last month after a number of years in the youth set-up with Liverpool.

He was pursued by a number of teams in the league including Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk.

The 21-year old, who can play at left-back or on the left side of midfield, said: “I did have other offers, but I am very pleased to have signed for Cork City.

“I would know some of the players here, I played with Gearóid Morrissey at international level and obviously played with Colin Healy at Ipswich, and Colin was a big influence on my decision to sign here.

“I was at a few games when I was younger, before I went to England, and I am aware of the history of the club and some of the players who have played here before.

“I want to enjoy my football, but I’m also ambitious and I wanted to sign for a club where I believe we can challenge to win things, and I believe I can do that at Cork City.”

City manager Tommy Dunne believes it is another promising signing for the Rebels: “I think we have done well in the transfer window this year. He is an exciting left footed player, and gives the team a nice balance.

“As a club, we are growing, we are trying to progress and get ourselves back to where we were previously but without the problems that entailed. He is direct, he is fit, he delivers the ball well from the wing, and I think he will be a good addition to our squad.”

Jamie Murphy and Vinny Sullivan have also signed back with the Rebels last night.