Dundalk have suffered a blow after it was confirmed that on-loan defender Zak Johnson has returned to parent club Sunderland.
The centre-back has impressed for the Lilywhites this season, contributing to a club record run of eight consecutive home clean sheets and earning a Soccer Writers Ireland Player of the Month nomination for May.
Johnson has helped new manager Jon Daly put together a mini-revival in recent weeks, after Dundalk's poor start to the season under Stephen O'Donnell, and then Noel King, saw them rooted to the bottom of the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division table.
"I have loved every minute of my time here," Johnson told the Sunderland website. "The lessons in maturity and self-development have been so valuable, they will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am now ready to come back and continue my journey with Sunderland.
"The key message was to play as many games as possible. That's the simple part. However, I have done everything to be consistent and bring the best version of myself.
"I want to thank Dundalk for supporting me throughout. The supporters have also been amazing."
The 19-year-old will be available for Dundalk's next two games which are at home to Waterford this Friday and away to Shamrock Rovers on Thursday of next week.
We are delighted to announce that terms have been agreed to make Scottish midfielder Scott McGill our first new signing of the summer transfer window.
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) June 23, 2024
The 22-year-old will move to Oriel Park on a permanent deal from Raith Rovers and will be eligible to play from July 1st.
Meanwhile, Daly has boosted his ranks with the signing of Scottish midfielder Scott McGill on a permanent deal from Raith Rovers.
The 22-year-old came through at Hearts, where he worked with Daly, before spending time on loan at Airdrie, Kelty Hearts and Raith, who he would join permanently in the summer of 2023.
"I can't wait to get started," McGill told the Dundalk website. "Jon Daly was a coach at Hearts when I was there and when I spoke to him about coming here he told me exactly what he wants from me and his plans for the second half of the season so it was a no-brainer.
"I like playing as a number 10 or a number eight and going box-to-box and getting on the ball so hopefully I can chip in with a couple of goals and assists."
In other League of Ireland news, St Patrick's Athletic have confirmed that Scottish defender Kieran Freeman has had his contract terminated by mutual consent.
Freeman made nine appearances for the Saints since joining from Dundee United at the beginning of the season.
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