- Patrick O'Connor
- Fri, Feb 03 2023
Drogheda United have unveiled the loan signings of Elicha Ahiu and Freddie Draper from Lincoln City.
The two new loan signings arriving brings Drogheda's total of new arrivals to the club to date to ten.
The Drogs have built up a strong relationship with the League One outfit having already had Sam Long and Sean Roughan on loan during the 2022 season.
Ahiu and Draper arrive ahead of the start of the new season in two week's time and will provide plenty of competition for places in the side that manager Kevin Doherty is putting together for the new campaign.
Ahiu is an 18-year-old midfielder who can also play in defence and he signed his first professional contract with the Imps in March 2022.
He made his senior debut in an EFL Cup match against Newcastle U 21’s in October 2022.
Ahui spoke with the Drogheda Utd media team and said: “I can play right back or centre midfield.
“I’d say I am attacking, strong, fast but good defensively as well.”
He added: “I’m very excited, it’s a great opportunity. I have heard good things from Sam (Long) and Sean (Roughan), and everybody at Lincoln and I’m really happy to be here.
“I know it’s a good standard here and hopefully it will challenge me and I’ll be able to help the team out as well.”
Draper is an 18- year- old centre forward and he signed a 3-year contract with the Imps when only 17 years of age in February 2021.
“He made his first team debut against Sheffield Wednesday in a league match in October 2021, coming on as a substitute for Irish player Anthony Scully.
He also spoke with the local media team and said: “I’d say I’m a bit more like an old-fashioned centre forward.
“I hold the ball up, make runs in behind but I like to link up play, bring others in and score goals.
“Last year I got a bit of action with Lincoln and I played in League One. I want to play as many games and score as many goals as I can while I am here.”
Drogheda United manager Kevin Doherty is looking forward to seeing both players in the claret and blue this season, saying: “I saw both of them play against Newcastle in the EFL Trophy this season and was really impressed by both of them.
“Elicha was excellent and got man of the match and Freddie scored in that game. They’ll both be well looked after.
“Having Sam and Sean on loan last season was very beneficial for all parties involved and we’re confident that this will be the same.”
