Tommy Stewart signs for Sacramento Republic FC

Former Shamrock Rovers and Derry City striker Tommy Stewart has signed for Sacramento Republic FC in California. Sacramento confirmed the signing on Thursday along with Welsh midfielder Chad Bond, English defender Jack Lane and Montenegrin defender Nemanja Vukovic.

Stewart, who has scored 51 goals in 180 matches including spells in Scotland and title winning campaigns on both sides of the border in Ireland, will join the USL Pro expansion franchise ahead of their inaugural season opener on March 29th.

The Northern Irishman is best known for his part in clinching Shamrock Rovers a 16th League title in 2010, scoring 10 goals including a goal on the night The Hoops secured their first title in 16 years.

The 27 year old from Craigavon tweeted early on Thursday morning - “Finally received international clearance. Delighted to be officially announced for my new team @SacRepublicFC”.

Stewart also registered the only goal of an important European fixture for Shamrock Rovers, scoring in the second leg against Bnei Yehuda in Israel to set up a glamour tie against Italian giants Juventus in the Europa League Qualifying round.

Sacramento Republic FC will open their season against the L.A. Galaxy II at the StubHub Center in Carson before a first ever home fixture against the Harrisburg City Islanders at Hughes Stadium, Sacramento City College.