Pat Lam is confident 21-year-old Leinster starlet Cian Kelleher has the "X-factor" required to boost Connacht's Champions Cup charge next season after the Westerners snapped up the full-back on a two-year deal.
Kelleher, who can also play on the wing and outside centre, has spent two seasons in the Leinster Academy and has seven Pro12 appearances under his belt, scoring an impressive 60-metre try against Zebre in February of this year.
Having represented Ireland at U18, U19 and U20s level, the former St Michael's student travelled as part of last summer's Emerging Ireland squad to Georgia, not long after he came on as a replacement for the Ireland XV side that played the Barbarians at Thomond Park.
Lam, whose side host Glasgow this weekend aiming to earn a home play-off semi-final, believes Kelleher's versatitlity will prove a major asset.
"I have no doubt he will be able to showcase his ability on the Pro12 and Champions Cup stage" - Pat Lam
"It's great to have someone with Cian's versatility joining our squad for next season," he said. "As a full-back who can also play on the wing and outside centre, his arrival will bring more competition and depth in the backs as we prepare for Champions Cup rugby.
"I was really impressed when I first saw Cian play for Lansdowne and Ireland U20s a couple of seasons ago.
"He showed real X-factor qualities with some of the tries he scored as well those he set up for his team-mates. With the way we train and play the game I have no doubt he will be able to showcase his ability on the Pro12 and Champions Cup stage to chase his big goal of representing Ireland."
Kelleher is relishing the chance to take his career to the next level out west, and is hungry to be part of the Connacht success story.
"Having watched the brand of rugby Connacht have been playing, I was really excited by the opportunity Pat presented to me.
"I cannot wait to get started down in Galway this summer where I'll have to compete with a very talented and competitive back line for a starting spot."
