Dundalk sign former Chelsea youth captain Conor Clifford

Dundalk have announced the signing of midfielder Conor Clifford in what may prove to one of the biggest coups of the 2017 League of Ireland transfer window.

Clifford joins the Lilywhites from English National League side Boreham Wood, having previously represented Chelsea, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle and Portsmouth among several others.

The 25-year-old former FA Youth Cup winning captain becomes the fourth new addition to a Lilywhites squad which is beginning to take shape ahead of the SSE Airtricity League season.

“I am delighted to have signed with the club,” Clifford stated shortly after signing on the dotted line

“I spoke with Stephen Kenny and things went well there so I can’t wait to get started. I trained with the lads earlier today and enjoyed it,” the midfielder told the club’s website.

“Stephen was massive in my decision. I like the way that the team played last year and he has done great things with Dundalk. I am looking forward to playing under him so I am happy to be here.”

Dublin native Clifford has a rich pedigree from his underage days where he featured 45 times for Ireland across under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels.

He was previously part of Crumlin United’s youth set-up alongside former Dundalk idols Andy Boyle and Richie Towell.

“I know Andy and Richie. They have been here and they are good friends of mine so I have been aware of what was going on at the club and how well they have been doing.

“I have seen them do well and they spoke so highly of the club before I came here. It was something that played was a big factor in coming here. The season can’t come quick enough.”

The Lilywhites are Clifford’s first League of Ireland club, having spent his entire senior career across the water and the lure of playing European football with Dundalk is a carrot that he found too attractive to resist.

“Europe is something I am looking forward to this season. I watched Dundalk in the Champions League and Europa League last season and I was very impressed with them. The style of football was good and they played well.

“I want to do something similar this year. I want to help repeat that but I want to win trophies as well. I want to win things. That’s the aim and hopefully we can achieve that,” he concluded.