Winger Caolan McAleer signs for Sligo Rovers from Finn Harps

Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of ex-Finn Harps winger Caolan McAleer.

McAleer becomes the first new signing made by Gerard Lyttle so far this winter as the Sligo boss looks to build his squad for the 2018 season.

Speaking about his move to the Showgrounds, McAleer told the Bit o' Red's official website: "I'm delighted to be here. When the approach was made by Sligo Rovers, I was really happy because it has everything that I want. Now I'm here I want to kick on and make my mark here.

"The main thing for me was playing games last season, I played nearly 30 in the league. I had a good season. I wanted to get more goals but I chipped in towards the end and I got assists. That's my game - contributing to goals - so overall I was pleased.

"It's a very big club here. The facilities are different class. It's a full-time set-up and that's what any player wants and especially at my age. There is a lot of history at the club.

"Since I've come here today I've had a look around and you can just see everything is in place to do well. It's a good atmosphere around the place as well.

"I want to be a player to get the club up the table. I'm not here to make up numbers. I'm here to play and help the team out. I want Sligo Rovers to get back on track to where it should be. That's the top half of the table.

"There are players here and changes happening that can push Sligo Rovers on to the top half of the table and I'm thrilled to be part of that."

His new manager also spoke about the addition of McAleer.

"I've tracked Caolan the last couple of years to keep note of how he was doing. He had a good season with Harps in what was part-time and I think he'll get even better with us training every day.

"He gives us width which is what we lacked a lot last year. He's an out and out winger and puts balls into the box which is a dying element of the game.

"It will serve us well to hand a player like him in the squad and I'm really looking forward to seeing how he does back full-time.

"It's a no-brainier for us."