Dundalk swoop in to capture former Liverpool defender Daniel Cleary

Dundalk have bolstered their defensive options with the signing of former Liverpool and Birmingham City player Daniel Cleary, who has signed a two-year deal with the Oriel Park outfit.

The 21-year-old had been training with Shamrock Rovers and was expected to sign for The Hoops following his departure from Birmingham City in January, but has instead opted for a move to Dundalk, where he could make his debut as early as Friday’s league opener against Bray Wanderers.

“I’m delighted to get settled in and I’m looking forward to the games kicking in on Friday,” said Cleary, who has been a Republic of Ireland international at every level right up to under-21.

“The gaffer (Stephen Kenny) contacted me and I was delighted to come up here and grabbed the chance, I’m settled in now and ready to go.

“I knew a few of the lads before I came up here so I’ve settled in quite quickly and I think I’ll get to know the rest of the lads quite soon.

“I’ve watched the League of Ireland during the summers when I’d come home and Dundalk is probably the biggest club in Ireland at the moment, they’ve won the league numerous times and kicked on in Europe so I’m looking forward to doing that myself.

“I can’t wait for the season to start, that’s what I look forward to – competitive games, and get three points on to the board straight away, that’s what we’re looking for.”

Cleary started out with Crumlin United before moving to Liverpool, where he was an unused substitute in their Europa League match away at Bordeaux in September 2015.

He thereafter moved to Birmingham City and also spent time out on loan with National League side Solihull Moors, for whom he played three league matches with in 2017.