Accrington Stanley sign Dara Costelloe on season-long loan from Burnley
Accrington Stanley secure Dara Costelloe for the season Credit: St Johnstone FC
Accrington Stanley have secured the services of striker Dara Costelloe from Burnley on a season-long loan.
21-year-old Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Costelloe, originally from Limerick, began his professional journey at Galway United before moving to Burnley in 2021.
While with The Clarets, he has experienced the Premier League bench and made appearances in the Championship. His development included loan spells at Bradford City, St Johnstone, and Dundee.
John Doolan, speaking about the signing, expressed his excitement:
"It's one we have been after for quite a while, it's a bit of a marquee signing or, as I like to call them, game-changers. Dara can win a game by himself. He is a top footballer, he sees patterns of play, he sees movements, he has a range of passing, and he has got goals in him."
Doolan also acknowledged the competitive nature of securing Costelloe:
"He has had a couple of clubs to choose from, not just in our league, but higher up and in another country as well, and he has chosen us and we are delighted to get it over the line."
The manager highlighted the importance of squad depth:
"It's a long season, the squad is building, we have a really good squad. We probably have a bit more space, but the attacking options we have are very, very good."
Costelloe himself is eager to start contributing to the team.
"I am happy to be here and I can't wait to get started. I am hoping to do as well as I can for the team and hopefully push for promotion," he said.
Reflecting on his career so far, he added, "It was a big moment in my career making my debut for Burnley in the Championship, and I am ready for the next step in my career to push on and try and get regular games."
His experience in Scotland also played a crucial role in his development.
"It was a different experience playing in Scotland, and I enjoyed it and developed up there, learning a different side of the game, and now I am looking forward to the next challenge."
