Hughes makes Saints loan switch

As Manager Johnny McDonnell prepares to put his stamp on things at Tolka Park under tight budgetary constraints, it has been announced today that Philly Hughes is to go on loan to St. Patrick's Athletic until the end of the season.

Philly was signed by Manager Alan Mathews at the start of the 2011 season, playing in 40 competitive games that season and scoring on 27 occasions (20 in the league).

He was voted by his colleagues "The Players' Player of the Year" for that season. Last season, Philly scored 18 times (11 league) in 38 games played.

This year the goals have dried up for Philly, not having hit the back of the net in the 20 competitive games played to date, even though his work rate is on a par with either of the two previous seasons.

Everyone at Shelbourne would like to thank Philly for his efforts on behalf of the Real Reds over the past two and a half seasons and wishes him all the best in his temporary move to Inchicore, hoping that he can rediscover his goal scoring habit during his stay there.