Derry City sign Blackburn Rovers defender Jack Doyle on loan

Derry City have confirmed that Blackburn Rovers full-back Jack Doyle has joined the Candystripes on a season-long loan deal.

Doyle, 21, joins Kenny Shiels’ men having been on the periphery of the Blackburn Rovers first team squad in the last few months after impressing in recent Checkatrade Trophy games for the Ewood Park club.

However, in a bid to increase first-team football, the Liverpudlian has decided to up sticks and join Derry City for the 2018 Premier Division campaign at the Brandywell.

“I was on a bus to Cardiff to play with the Under-23s when I got the call, so I got collected en-route and taken to the airport and here I am,” Doyle told the club's official website.

“I’m delighted to be here and am looking forward to meeting the rest of the lads and getting some game time. I’m raring to go.”

City boss Kenny Shiels added: ‘We like him. He’s a good player and as you can see by the fact that he’s here he has a good attitude to the game.

“The lad is versatile and can also play left midfield and I think he’ll be well received by the Derry fans.”

Shiels had been hoping to bring Fulham's Ireland under-21 international Sean Kavanagh to the Brandywell on a loan deal but was beaten to his signature by Shamrock Rovers.