Dundalk sign recent Ireland call-up Aaron McCarey from Warrenpoint Town

Dundalk have completed the signing of former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ross County goalkeeper Aaron McCarey, who has signed a two-year contract with the Oriel Park club.

A move to the Lilywhites is believed to have been on the cards since the summer, after his release from Ross County following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

McCarey, who was part of the Republic of Ireland senior international squad as recently as March, has recently been plying his trade in the Danske Bank Irish Premiership with Warrenpoint Town.

The 26-year-old Monaghan native is believed to be the first signing made by Vinnie Perth, who is poised to be officially named as head coach of Dundalk, alongside John Gill, in the coming days.

“I am delighted to get the deal done,” McCarey told the club’s official website.

“It has been in the making for a while the deal so it is great to get it over the line. It’s an absolute privilege to join the best team in Ireland.

“I am looking forward to joining the best team in Ireland and with the new season coming up it’s going to be very exciting.

 “There will be some changes with Stephen (Kenny) leaving for the international setup. It will be interesting here with a new manager and new players, me being one of them, and I have spoken to some of the players before.

“There are some familiar faces in the squad for me so it will make things easy for me to transition in.

“It was a no brainer for me to come here, I have heard nothing but good things about the club from everyone and it is like a family.”

He added: “I have been keeping an eye on things while I have been away and I always did when I was away. I kept an eye on how the Irish teams are doing.

“I knew about the place. I have seen the progress that they have made in the last couple of years.

“The last three or four years the side have gone from strength to strength. They had the magnificent European run a couple of years ago so there’s so many positives and I am delighted to be here.

“It’s a great environment to come into. Coming into a double winning team. There’s a winning mentality at the club.

“The club’s ambition matches my ambition which was key. The move furthers my career and to play in European is something I am looking forward to.

“When I first became aware of Dundalk’s interest it was an easy decision and hopefully, we can be successful.”

McCarey hasn’t played in the League of Ireland since his days with hometown club Monaghan United in 2009, which preceded his move to Wolves, where he made five league appearances.

During his time at the Molineux club, he also had loan spells at AFC Telford United, Walsall, York City, Portsmouth and Bury before moving north of the border to Scotland with Ross County in 2016.