Jesse Devers signs for Galway United

Galway United have announced the signing of former Irish underage international Jesse Devers.

The attacker joins Tommy Dunne’s side having spent two-and-a-half years in England with East Midlands club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Devers had an unsuccessful trial with Barnsley last December, and has lined out for both, Sligo Rovers and the Tribesmen in pre-season.

The former Manulla FC player earned himself a place in Kennedy Cup squads as a teenager, and his performances earned him attention from cross-channel suitors. Wolves swiftly signed him up.

Noted for his pace and dribbling ability, the Mayo native was selected for the Irish u15 side in 2012 and he has continued to receive call-ups through the grades.

After signing for the club, Devers said: “I’ve played a lot for Ireland and at the top level of youth football in England, but I’m really looking forward to testing myself in the Airtricity League against seasoned players.”

Galway’s have now gotten 26 players in their squad for the season ahead and Devers believes that he’s firmly in the manager’s mind even with the competition for places so high.

“Up to now I’ve been playing as a striker, but my strengths are well-suited to playing out wide and I could see myself settling there. I enjoy getting in behind the full-backs and overall I might even find that I prefer it the more I play there.”

Dever has also been impressed with how welcoming his new teammates have been and has praised them as a group.

“They’ve really made me feel welcome since I arrived, helping me adjust to the move and our captain is a Mayo man himself as well. I can’t wait for my first season in senior football and my first season playing in the Airtricity League, it’s really exciting,” Devers added.

Galway manager Tommy Dunne showed obvious delight after securing a deal with the promising youngster.

“I’m delighted to have gotten him. When he's settled-in and used to the physical side of things here and concentrating right, there’s a player in him,” Dunne explained.

“He’s in our first team group and I see him playing as a striker or a wide player, We're not overly flush with wide players, despite the depth we have overall. He's a very quick player and we do feel that he can do a job there.”

The Ballina native has been given the number 24 shirt at the club.