Irish Deadline Day deals as Matt Doherty and Shane Duffy complete moves

Matt Doherty completed a sensational deadline day move to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.

The Ireland international was initially due to join Atletico on loan until the end of the season.

But Doherty was subsequently released by Spurs due to the North London club having more than the permissible number of players out on loan.

And he has since penned short-term deal with Atletico under boss Diego Simeone.

In a statement, Spurs said: “We have mutually agreed to the termination of Matt Doherty’s contract to enable him to join another club.

“Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August, 2020, the Republic of Ireland international made 71 appearances for us in all competitions, scoring three goals.

“We should like to thank Matt for his service and wish him well for the future.”

And Ireland international defender Shane Duffy has also joined Fulham on a permanent deal.

Duffy was on loan at Craven Cottage since the start of the season, but the Cottagers decided to make his switch a permanent one.

In a statement, Brighton said: “Shane has played such an important role during his time at the club.

“He was a key character in our promotion to the Premier League in his first season here.

“He was equally key in helping to establish the club in the Premier League and has always been extremely popular in the dressing room and with Albion fans.”

Meanwhile, now former Ireland Under-21 star Gavin Kilkenny has joined League One Charlton on loan.

Kilkenny was previously on loan at Stoke City but struggled for game-time at the Bet 365 Stadium.

And he said: “I’m delighted to be joining Charlton.

“Hopefully we can start pushing up the table to get this club back where it belongs.”

Elsewhere, Ireland Under-19 international Ed McJannet has joined Serie A side Lecce from Luton Town. Eoghan O’Connell also joined Wrexham.

Former Shamrock Rovers youngster James Furlong has also joined Motherwell on loan from Premier League Brighton. And Calum Kavanagh, the son of former Ireland international Graham, has joined Newport County on a loan deal from Middlesbrough.

Ireland senior international Aiden O’Brien has also moved on loan to Gillingham from Shrewsbury Town. Meanwhile, Galway United teenager Daniel O’Connor, Sligo Rovers midfielder Michael Lavin and Cork City forward Leon Ayinde have all signed for League One promotion chasers Ipswich Town.