John Caulfield sees 'huge potential' in latest defensive signing Dan Casey

Cork City manager John Caulfield hailed the ‘huge potential’ of new signing Dan Casey after he penned a two-year deal with the Rebel Army.

21-year-old Casey spent four years in the academy at Sunderland before leaving the Black Cats and joining Dublin side Bohemians in the middle of the 2017 season.

Casey had a very impressive 2018 at the heart of defence for Keith Long’s side and made 31 league appearances.

He scored three league goals last season, including two in ten minutes during a memorable 3-1 opening-day defeat of Shamrock Rovers.

“This is a huge club and a good move for me,” Casey told the Cork City website.

“I hope this will be a great period in my career. Cork City have always been a tough team to play against and I have enjoyed those battle so I am excited to be playing now for Cork City.”

He added: “European football is a huge bonus and something I am dying to experience. As a kid, playing in Europe is something you want to do, and I am looking forward to being a part of it.

“There are very good defenders here. They have shown that over the last couple of years, so it will be a tough challenge for me but one I am looking forward to.”

Cork City boss John Caulfield said he was delighted with the announcement and that he has admired Casey anytime he has seen him in action.

“Dan has had a major impact with Bohemians this season,” said Caulfield.

“He is a young player who has come back from England and made his mark in the league in the last year and a half.

“We are thrilled to bring him in. He’s good on the ball, very strong in the air, aggressive and has huge potential.

“He has tremendous hunger to go to the highest level, and a player we think will fit brilliantly into our set-up.

“We can see how well he did this year in a very good Bohs side. We need ambitious, hungry players and he fits that bill.”