The Calm Before The Transfer Storm

Even though Ireland’s transfer window closed after a frantic final day recently, England and most other countries’ transfer windows still has another month to go. It was a quiet enough week for players from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland but, nevertheless, there were still a few changing clubs. This is most definitely going to change as transfer come thick and fast before the window closes.

Former Bohemians and Drogheda United midfielder Paul Keegan has signed a one month contract at Doncaster Rovers. The Dublin man has been at the club since 2011 and has made over seventy appearances for the Yorkshire side. Keegan has also represented the Republic of Ireland at u23 level.

Defender Michael Smith has completed a move to Peterborough United from Bristol Rovers. The former Ballymena United player joins for an undisclosed fee and signed a three-year deal with the League One side. Smith made forty three appearances last season for Bristol Rovers as they were unfortunately relegated from League Two. Smith has also appeared for the Northern Ireland u23 team.

Joe Dudgeon is another underage Northern Ireland player that has moved clubs. Dudgeon has moved on loan to League One side Barnsley for a month. Although born in Leeds, Dudgeon represented the Northern Ireland u21 team in 2011 before earning a call up to the senior side in October 2012. However, he suffered a knee injury soon after, which ruled him out for the season, and he was forced to miss out on his debut.

Notts County will face Barnsley in League One next season, and they have given Ronan Murray a new two-year deal. The striker scored seven goals in twenty six appearances for the club last season which helped them secure 20^th spot in the table and avoid relegation. Murray appeared for the Republic of Ireland u21 squad back in 2011.

And finally, Daniel O’Shaughnessy has signed for Brentford on a two-year contract after leaving FC Metz. O’Shaughnessy has spent the last month on trial with Brentford and has done enough to earn himself a deal. Daniel is an u21 Finnish international, along with his brother Patrick, but both are also able to play for the Republic of Ireland and both of have expressed an interest in playing for the boys in green.