Shamrock Rovers have signed Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Matt Healy from Belgian side Royal Francs Borains.
The midfielder impressed in the League of Ireland during two loan spells before the move to Belgium.
The 22-year-old began his professional career with Ipswich Town and spent 18 months with his hometown club Cork City.
After being released from his contract at Ipswich, he signed for Royal Francs Borains in the second tier of Belgian football.
The 22-year-old midfielder scored four goals in 29 matches last season, and had started 14 of their 15 league games so far in this campaign.
Healy made his Ireland Under-21 debut in September 2023 alongside Johnny Kenny in a game against Turkey.
He has gone on to become a regular for Jim Crawford's side, starting 10 matches.
Healy said: "I got a phone call from Stephen Bradley recently, and he knew there had been interest in me and that he'd like me to get involved at Rovers.
"So, I spoke about it with my family and my team, and thought it’d be a good opportunity for me so I’m delighted to get involved.
"I had six months left on my contract but I was eager to leave and try something new. So the opportunity came up when Stephen rang me and I've decided to grab it with both hands.
"Rovers fans can expect energy all over the pitch. I like getting forward, and also defending, I'd like to get involved all over with assists and chipping in with some goals. So I hope to be able to bring that to the team."
Bradley has admired Healy at club level and on the international stage.
With the likes of Richie Towell being let go from Tallaght Stadium, the Hoops boss is delighted with his new signing.
"We liked him from the time Matt played against us when he was at Cork," Bradley explained.
"We knew back then he was tied up with the other club, but we kept an eye on Matt. When we felt there was a possibility that we could get him home, we did everything possible to make it happen. It took a lot of talk and convincing, but I'm delighted that Matt feels the next part of his development is at Rovers.
"At 22, he’s a brilliant age, he has really good attributes as a midfielder and has a brilliant attitude and good head on his shoulders.
"He’s focused, determined and ambitious, so he’ll fit a lot of what we do.
"We watched Matt closely with the Ireland Under-21s last year. You just have to see him play and know he’s played a lot of senior games for a young player.
"He can do everything as a midfielder. He can be your six, or an eight, or a ten. He's played in nearly all of those positions.
"He’s played in the formation we play quite a few times, so he’s very comfortable in all areas of the midfield. But he’s young, and one I feel we can help develop and has good attributes for all midfield positions."
Healy could make his debut in the Europa Conference League play-off clash with Molde in February.
